Thank you for visiting our JustGiving page and a huge thank you to all those who have donated so far, we are so grateful to each and everyone of you.

Our target of £10,000 has been reached and we are still seeing the donations coming in pushing the raised figure even higher to support The Benevolent Society, the charitable arm of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF).

We started on Sunday, 30th November with a 6 x hour drive into the Sahara Desert and a 2hr walk into camp. Naomi and I walked over the next 4 x days 100 km across the Sahara Desert to raise money for our chosen charity - The Benevolent Society, which offers vital support to members of the British Allied Trades Federation (BAFT) and annual bursaries for those studying or wishing to gain skills and qualifications or career progression.

Our journey took us across peaks, gorges, sand dunes, arid, dry and hard river beds and oases. We crossed the finish line back into camp late afternoon on Thursday 4th December, the same day as the annual Benevolent Society Christmas Ball in Birmingham. Also managing to send a recorded video message to everyone there and played on the evening. Our adventure was described as "tough, challenging and unforgiving" by the event organisers, it required us to carry our survival kit across the desert while also sleeping under the stars in back-to-basic conditions.

This is what Naomi had to say about our challenge:- "It's incredible to think that what began as a simple conversation at the Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council Awards in March 2025 has grown into something so meaningful. Choosing to trek across the Sahara Desert wasn't a decision we made lightly — but we believed that by taking on this challenge, we can help make a real difference.

This isn't just about pushing ourselves physically; it's about showing what's possible when people come together for a cause greater than themselves. Since March we have been out on the trails, building our strength and determination — because every step we take brings us closer to raising vital funds and creating positive change."

And this was my take on our trek:- "This was a very serious challenge and took us both out of our comfort zones. I was delighted to be doing this with Naomi (whose suggestion it was…). We were both hugely excited and respectful about this incredible trek. We had in our minds for every step walked and climbed the impact this will have on helping individuals in our industry.

We have seen already that with the backing of our friends, colleagues in the trade and our joined networks, both Naomi and I reach our fundraising target. The training has been consistent to build our strength and stamina. We kept The Benevolent Society updated with our progress."

If you would like to still support us then donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.