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Weldmar Hospicecare

Find out more about why Kelly is taking on the challenge a lifetime – and how you can too!

19th January 2022

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Fundraising Personal Stories

When a good friend passed away in Weldmar’s care last year, Kelly made a promise to her to fundraise for Weldmar to show appreciation of the support and care they’d given to her friend and her family.

Kelly hasn’t done a physical challenge for a charity before – save a sponsored swim a couple of years ago. But something about the Sahara challenge appealed to her, she says ‘I know it’s going to be tough, but that’s what makes it exciting. I’m looking forward to trekking alongside the camels, and sleeping under the stars at night.’

One of Kelly’s friends – Nikki Taylor, who works at Weldmar Hospicecare’s Inpatient Unit – is also taking on the Sahara challenge. But Kelly is also very much looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends by enjoying a shared experience.

With 10 months until departure, Kelly has already achieved the £1,500 fundraising target. She says ‘My fundraising has gone so well, and people have been so generous. I started with a raffle, so I walked into lots of shops in Bridport to ask if they would donate anything – and so many did. I work at Bridport Leisure Centre, and they very kindly donated a six-month membership at the gym.’

Having a physical presence with a stall in the town during November, and then at the Christmas market in December helped attract people to take part in the raffle. A couple of supermarkets allowed Kelly to set up a stall in their entrance. The Ropemakers pub helped by letting Kelly collect in their pub, and held a cake raffle for her. And Harbour Gifts at West Bay have been very helpful and supportive.

Using your hobbies is a great way to use skills to generate funds. Kelly enjoys making and decorating cakes. Kelly says ‘The co-op in Bridport were really supportive. A lady that works there suggested I apply for a fundraising grant. Luckily, I was awarded it, and it helped to buy ingredients so I could make, and then raffle 10 cakes. I went so well and I made £600. I’d like to thank everyone that’s helped me raise a fantastic amount of money so far.’

Kelly has been surprised at how easy it’s been to hit the fundraising target. What’s more, she’s going to continue with her fundraising efforts until she leaves for the Sahara in November.

When asked if she’d recommend taking on a challenge, and fundraising for Weldmar, Kelly’s answer is a resounding yes.

Find out more about our Sahara Trek challenge

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