Ten people from across East Sussex travelled back from South Africa last week after completing a 100-mile trek for a local charity.
Over £20,000 was raised for the WOLO Foundation. WOLO stands for We Only Live Once and is a charity that supports families in Sussex affected by cancer. Those taking part included local PR consultant Sarah Jones, of Wilderness PR (pictured second left) who, despite being injured early on, still managed to finish the trek.
The expedition took place in KwaZulu-Natal Province, with fundraisers completing 16 miles a day over six days. As well as battling the heat – which reached 37 degrees on some occasions – other challenges included having to navigate wild animals such as giraffes, baboons, snakes and kudu which roam freely.
Those taking part in the fundraiser were also involved in a conservation effort of releasing a male and female zebra into the wild, to help increase the numbers of the species in the area.
WOLO Foundation co-founder, Justin Wright commented: “Following the success of WOLO Africa 100 challenge 2022, this year did not disappoint, with everyone who took part digging deep to get the challenge completed.
“It really is an incredible experience. To witness everyone coming together to get to the finish line on day six, dealing with blisters, dehydration and remembering loved ones affected by cancer, was extremely poignant to see.
“The charity is currently supporting over 120 families in Sussex, so every penny raised by this year’s WOLO Africa challenge is so valued.”
Angus Wingfield, Director of Africa Wild Trails who organised and facilitated the trip said: “This really is a unique fundraiser, particularly with the conservation element included in the trip.
“As well as the physical challenge itself, everyone who took part benefitted from being close to nature, with the hours trekking – or running for some – having the time to reflect and feel grounded by the personal reasons for undertaking it, with cancer always at the heart.”
As well as the trek, the challenge of a lifetime included a day’s acclimatisation, an evening in a remote Zulu village and a Big Five Safari in the Nambiti Game Reserve before everyone returned to the UK.
Spaces are now open for next year’s WOLO Africa Challenge. For more information visit: wolofoundation.org
