In February 2016, on my 60th birthday I did a 5 day trek in the Sahara Desert to raise funds for PAPYRUS- a charity that works to prevent young suicide. I did it in memory of my son Toby who I lost in 2011 age 23.
I slept in a tent and had no running water – so survived with baby wipes and wore a hat for 5 days. I raised over £3,000, so it was all worth it and also a great personal achievement.
I may be crazy but I thought ‘wouldn’t it be a great idea to do it all again on my 70th’.
So that’s exactly what I’m doing in February 2026. I’ve registered and paid my fee so no going back now. I’m going with Global Adventure challenges and hope to equal or smash what I raised last time so am starting now.
And thanks to my diet I can still fit into the trekking trousers I wore in 2016.
Just £5 can save a young person’s life
By donating to PAPYRUS you are:
Helping us fund our helpline, HOPELINE247 which provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person.
Helping to equip young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour through our resources and training.
Help make a difference to many young lives and concerned others.
Support, Equip and Influence current and future generations to create a more suicide safer community.
Donate using this link – every £ helps save a young life and stops other parents living with the lifetime of pain from losing their child to suicide.
Losing a child to Suicide 