PARTICIPANTS are being sought for an 'incredible' trek across the Sahara Desert in a fundraiser for a hospice charity.

Weldmar Hospicecare has opened the applications for its annual overseas challenge for 2022 - a trek across the Sahara Desert.

The charity, which provides specialist end of life care to people living in Dorset, has held challenges every year, besides 2020, with the first being in the Sahara in 2013, which saw 22 volunteers take part and raise a huge £45,000.

Now, the challenge is returning and charity bosses are looking for volunteers to participate.

Alaine Harman, from Weldmar's fundraising team, is excited for the trek to return to the Sahara Desert. She said: "It’s going to be an incredible experience for anyone taking part. We’ll be trekking through beautiful scenery by day and sleeping under the stars at night. We’ll even be baking bread in the hot sand, and immersing ourselves in the local culture.

"There's plenty of support and team building before we go."

Jon Formon participated in the first ever challenge in 2013 and is encouraging anyone who thinks they might like to do it to get involved.

He said: "The environment of the Sahara is so different to our daily life. The personal challenge of trekking in the heat and the social aspect really makes for an enjoyable adventure. Knowing that you are contributing to a fantastic charity really helps give you a positive personal and team experience."

Participants will be joined by local people and camels for the four day trek, and there will be a chance to explore the city of Marrakech before heading back home.

Participants must raise a minimum of £1,500 for Weldmar in order to take part, and there is a £340 registration fee for the trek, which will depart on November 10, 2022 and return five days later.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.weld-hospice.org.uk