When Lee set off for Gatwick Airport to travel to the Sahara Desert Trek, nerves nearly stopped him in his tracks. Anxiety crept in, panic set in, and doubts filled his mind. Would he fit in with the group? Would he cope with the relentless desert heat? Would he physically be able to keep up?
It took more than one attempt to finally walk confidently into the airport and meet his fellow trekkers. A few quiet moments spent regrouping in the airport toilets almost saw him turn back. But he didn’t. And that decision marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
After around 15 hours of travel, Lee finally arrived in the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, and nothing could have prepared him for the intensity of the heat. Unforgiving and relentless, it quickly became clear that water was precious currency. Hydration was constant, necessary, and never quite enough.
Battling the Dunes
The dunes were colossal, towering walls of sand that seemed almost impossible to conquer. Each step up felt like sliding several steps back. The terrain was punishing, and the physical toll was real; blisters, a swollen knee, and deep exhaustion became part of the daily battle.
Yet, despite the discomfort, he pushed on. The easier option would have been to give up. Instead, he chose resilience.
The group’s support network played a huge role in that determination. Local guide Jamal, UK leader Teri, and the exceptional camp cook, Omar, created not only a safe environment but a sense of camaraderie. Omar’s meals became a daily highlight, especially the surprise spaghetti bolognese on the final night.
Sunsets, Stars and Stillness
Evenings in the desert brought moments of magic. The sunsets painted the dunes in gold and amber, while the stars at night were unlike anything most had ever seen. Shooting stars were so frequent they became almost ordinary.
On the third morning, the group climbed a giant dune at sunrise, a climb Lee compared to ascending Ben Nevis, except on shifting sand. The effort was immense, but the view was unforgettable.
Each night, Teri led meditation sessions on top of the dunes. Sitting quietly under a sky bursting with stars, the group found calm after the physical strain of the day. For someone who had started the journey battling anxiety, these moments of stillness proved especially powerful for Lee.
Brotherhood in the Desert
What began as a group of strangers slowly transformed into something much deeper. Shared hardship has a way of accelerating connection. Laughter, banter and honest conversations built bonds that felt more like family than friendship by the final night.
That final evening was marked with a desert fire, a truly special moment. The team demonstrated how traditional bread is baked beneath the sand and hot ash. When it was unearthed, brushed clean and shared among the group, it became one of the most memorable meals of the trek.
Wildlife and Desert Moments
The trek offered glimpses of desert wildlife with camels, donkeys, sheep, goats, deer, lizards and countless beetles. Some even reported sightings of foxes and rumours of a rare Sahara giraffe. Thankfully, there were no encounters with snakes, spiders or scorpions.
Lee also ticked off a surprising desert bucket list:
- Rode a camel
- Built a sandcastle
- Rolled down the dunes
- Experienced the realities of “bathroom breaks” in the desert
Along the way, Lee witnessed nomadic life, families living simply but appearing healthy and content. It was a humbling reminder of perspective.
This marked Lee’s fourth overseas challenge for ABC, after the Kilimanjaro Trek, Mount Toubkal Trek and the Husky Challenge. It was arguably one of the toughest. There were highs and lows, but quitting was never the final option. Most importantly, the trek helped raise vital funds for Against Breast Cancer, giving every blister and step even greater meaning.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the Sahara Desert now behind him, Lee has his sights firmly set on his next adventure for ABC: the Kenya Trek in 2027. The challenge will involve trekking across Kenya and tackling another formidable mountain.
His only concern? Not the climb, but avoiding any curious lions along the way.
One thing is certain: if the Sahara has proven anything, it’s that courage often begins with simply showing up.
From all of us at Against Breast Cancer, a massive thank you to Lee for his incredible ongoing support and determination to help our vital research.
Fancy signing up to one of our events in support of ABC yourself? You can find more information on our events page. You can also sign up now for the Sahara Desert Trek.