A NORTHWICH business owner is hoping to raise funds for St Luke’s Hospice by trekking across the Sahara Desert.

Helen Brewin is trekking 50km across the Sahara Desert in October in memory of her dad, who passed away last year, and to raise awareness of the work St Luke’s does.

Helen, who is also celebrating turning 60, will spend three days with 12 others completing the arduous walk, across the third largest desert in the world. She will set off on her fundraising adventure on October 26, taking on the high temperatures and camping under the stars.

Helen’s company, Proactive Gas Safety Ltd, is one of a number of businesses that supports St Luke’s Hospice.

She said: “When people are faced with life-threatening changes I know it not only affects the person but also the family and friends who surround them.

“As soon as you walk through the door at St Luke’s you can sense the caring, positive atmosphere.

“St Luke’s cannot provide this resource without backing from donations and fund-raising, so I’m trying to do my bit to ensure the continued success of this wonderful community facility.”

Helen has so far raised more than £1,000 with an initial target of £1,600 to reach by the end of July.

The majority of funds will go directly to the hospice, although a small amount goes towards funding the event.

Helen and the team have already had to pay a fee, separate from the funds being raised, to take part in the trek.

She said: “Getting to target is just the start really as this needs to be in by the end of July, so I still have three months to raise as much as possible.”

Helen has been taking part in a number of events to help raise funds, including a film night at home.

Her main fundraising event was a Moroccan themed night at Barnton Memorial Hall, in Northwich, on Saturday, June 17.

Cooked by Helen and her daughter people enjoyed a three-course meal for just £20 per person.

To donate to Helen visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Helen-Brewin

Next year’s fundraising event is a trek across the Great Wall of China.

For more information on Trek China visit stlukes-hospice.co.uk/events/greatwallofchina