TREKKERS took on their “toughest” challenge yet travelling 12 miles a day in temperatures of 40°C for Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal.
The 35 people signed up for trek to ancient city of Petra, Jordan – walking across rocky and sandy terrain.
Volunteer Jo Maslen, who organises the treks for the Stars Appeal, said: “Nothing in our training could have prepared us for those temperatures – they were around 10° higher than the norm for this time of year.
“Our regular trekkers, who’ve dealt with heat, harsh terrain and altitude in our previous treks, all agreed this was the toughest yet.”
The terrain and scenery changed each day and on the most difficult day, they climbed 1142 metres in 38°C. This is the equivalent height of Mount Snowdon.
At night, they slept in desert camps on mats in tents.
First time trekker Melanie Howard, from Salisbury, added: “I feel I’ve earned every penny of my fundraising. The trek was tough, conditions and terrain far harsher than I'd expected.
“I loved every single minute. Great organisation, fantastic guides, sharing the experiences and forging the friendships - I didn't believe I would feel a part of the 'trekking family' - how wrong I was.”
They all crossed the finish line at Petra on the last day of trekking together.
Grace Prince, who recently retired from Salisbury District Hospital was the oldest and led the way over the line.
Even at Petra there was no respite from the physical challenges or the heat as there was little shade when walking down 800 steps from the monastery to the centre of the ancient city.
Now that the trek is over and all have returned to the UK, thoughts are starting to turn to the next Stars Appeal fundraising trek which takes place in spring 2024.
Jo Maslen said: “Our trekkers have really shown they're made of strong stuff, but we couldn't have succeeded in this challenge without supportive friends and families and generous sponsors at home, and our Discover Adventure leaders and doctor and the local crew (including the lovely donkeys) in Jordan.”
Although donations are still coming in, the total is expected to exceed £60,000 but the exact amount will be announced at a special event in June.
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