Many of you may not have met my Dad, Steve. Those of you that had the privilege will know how special he was - often referred to as the "nicest" man some had ever met. He was the head of our large and fabulous family and was such a thoughtful, funny and wonderful person. There are so many memories that come to the forefront when I think about our times together...

* Family trips to Chester Zoo - Dad loved being amongst the animals and he would always have a scarily accurate animal impression up his sleeve.  

* Many summers spent camping in Wales and France - "snug" would be one word to describe caravanning as a family of 5!

* We had some lovely Christmas' as a family and they often involved watching Dad attempt to tackle a very dry nut roast!

* Fabulous dos and birthday parties - he would always be first at the bar getting a round in!

* Quiet family meals at my Mum and Dad's house - they would occasionally take a turn and involve Dad's high knee dancing!

However, everything changed in August 2023. After contacting his GP regarding concerns around his appetite and weight loss, Dad was diagnosed with oesophagus cancer.  

He had a stent fitted to ease the discomfort when eating and we remained hopeful that treatment would cure him. However, in September 2023, we were told that the cancer had spread to his liver - therefore, hopes of a full recovery were taken away. We were still hopeful that chemotherapy would mean he could one day regain enough strength to do the things that he always loved doing - pottering in the garden amongst the plants and wildlife, jetting off on fabulous holidays with my Mum, parties and meals out with friends & family and, not forgetting, marching up those Etihad spirals. Sadly, he didn't manage to do these things again as we were told in January that the chemotherapy wasn't working.

Dad passed away 18th April 2024, surrounded by those that loved him most.  

During those turbulent and difficult few months, St Lukes Hospice gave both my Dad and Mum some much needed respite. They both received regular reflexology sessions, 1-2-1 therapy and my Dad even joined their watercolour session shortly before he passed away. To show my immense gratitude to this special place and their wonderful staff, I wish to repay them in some way.  

Therefore, in my Dad's memory, I have decided to trek 50 kilometres across the Sahara Desert in October 2025. The trek will span across 4 days and will take place across dried up riverbeds and sand dunes in 35+ degree heat, accompanied by snakes and other not-so-furry friends! We will sleep under the stars and endure near freezing temperatures at night. I cannot count the number of holidays that we spent in a tent when my brothers and I were younger, so it seems only right to be embarking on this adventure in his honour.  

A whopping 85% of this charity's funding is made up in donations, so I think it's important we do what we can to help this amazing cause. I want to raise as much money as I can for St Luke's Hospice, in the hope that money raised can support other families in the same way that they did mine.