Hayley’s Sahara Trek Adventure

Store Process Support Coordinator, Hayley Pipe, is no stranger to a fundraising challenge and this month saw the completion of her trek in the Sahara Desert.

Hayley’s Trip to the Sahara Desert:

Over the course of 6 days, Hayley trekked 75km through the Sahara Desert, the first day and a half was spent travelling due to a 9-hour transfer from the airport! 19 people trekked for a range of charities over the course of the next 4 days in 37-degree heat. They camped with the trek’s organiser, 2 guides, 3 camel handlers, a cook and camels!

Hayley’s highlights of the trip were at night, camping under the stars. The first night saw a sandstorm which she had never experienced before and the second night they were woken up by a meteorite! The flying flash of light split and hit earth just beyond their horizon, which was truly an unforgettable experience. The whole trek was incredible, and Hayley loved walking along new terrain - sand dunes that had been patterned by the local wildlife…lizards, beetles and gerbils!

Hayley’s Fundraising Adventures:

Hayley fell in love with long distance walking back in 2017 when 8 Brewers colleagues took part in Trek the Night for Action Medical Research, and then completing a 100k walk for Children with Cancer Trust. She hasn’t looked back since!

Prior to Hayley’s trip to the Sahara Desert, she has undertaken many treks (and a skydive!) across the UK and beyond. This included a 107km walk around the Isle of Wight, a 100km walk along the South Coast and diving out of a plane at 10,000ft in Salisbury! Hayley has managed to raise an incredible £3,500 for the charity You Raise Me Up, with donations from friends, family and Brewers.

All in Aid of You Raise Me Up:

YRMU's sole purpose is to raise funds to support families who have suffered the loss of an adult child between the age of 16 and 25. They provide compassion, support and are able to say “we totally understand” rather than “we cannot imagine what you are going through".

The charity was founded by Fraser and Jane Brooks, from Eastbourne, in June 2011 after the sudden loss of their daughter Megan. They found themselves in desperate need of comfort from those who had experienced the same loss to see how they had coped and got through such a devastating time.

As a mum with a 23-year-old daughter, Hayley couldn't imagine what it would be like to lose her, but knowing a charity is out there offering support and financial aid to those suffering was a comfort and so Hayley wanted to do all she could to help raise funds for the deserving charity.

What’s Next for Hayley?

Hayley often talks about taking a year off but loves trekking too much! This summer Hayley is planning to head to Spain for a 120km walk over 6 days and her mum (who is 70!) will be joining her for another Spanish trek later this year. We would like to wish Hayley a huge congratulations on all her achievements in the past few years and cannot wait to hear about more of her adventures in the future!