More than 30 guests attended a launch evening to find out about a charity trek to the Sahara Desert which will raise funds for The Children’s Centre. Tour organisers gave a fascinating presentation about the trip at Noa Bakehouse, in Douglas on Wednesday [March 25th] evening detailing this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.

The trip – which will take place from November 12th to 18th this year – is being run in conjunction with specialist charity challenge organisers Global Adventure Challenges, and their expert tour guides were at the launch evening to talk from first-hand experience about what it’s like to trek in the Sahara. Mark Eastham, Fundraising Co-ordinator for The Children’s Centre, said:

“It was great that so many people were able to attend and it proves that spirit of adventure is still alive and kicking on the Island. We realise that signing up to any of our overseas challenges is a big commitment, and the aim of the evening was to make sure people are fully aware of what’s involved before signing on the dotted line. Over 30 people attended the event and I am confident that the trip will be another great success and will raise lots of money for the charity.”

Trekkers who take part in the challenge will return home with some unique memories, such as watching the spectacular sunrise over the massive Chigaga Dunes, riding on camel trains, and getting a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the nomadic Tuaregs. They will also have the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped to raise vital funds for The Children’s Centre’s charitable projects which help families and children across the Island. These include Mobex, Out2Play, Child Contact Centre, Thriving Families, EPICentre, Community Development and the Community Farm.

The adventurers will fly to the UK and then on to Morocco to start their epic journey. Day one is spent in Ouarzazate, a town just south of the High Atlas Mountains. The trekking starts on day two with a two to three hour walk to a camp in the Bougharn Dunes. The next day will be one of the highlights of the trip with a ride on a camel train and trekking on foot to reach the spectacular Chigaga Dunes. Early next morning, and still under moonlight, the stunning starscape will give way to a spectacular sunrise viewed from the top of the dunes. After breakfast, there will be an eight hour trek to the next camp at Erg Aghaul. Day five sees the last day of trekking, just a two hour walk to Zaoui Sidi Abd-En-Nabi. On the final day there’s a transfer to Marrakech where there will be a few hours to see the sights before travelling to the airport for the flight back to the UK, and the connecting flight to the Isle of Man.

The trek is open to anyone aged 18 or over on or before November 12, 2015 – or anyone aged 16 or over if they are travelling with a parent or guardian. All participants must agree to raise a minimum of ?750 in sponsorship.

For more details on the Sahara Desert Trek, and many other fantastic fundraising events being organised by The Children’s Centre this year, go to http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/events/ or contact the fundraising team by phoning 676076 or emailing adventuremann@thechildrenscentre.org.im.

Photo - More than 30 potential adventurers were at Noa Bakehouse for The Children’s Centre’s Sahara Desert challenge launch evening.