Man is planning to take on Sahara Desert trek to raise funds for Birmingham hospital

Dean Marsh, from Alvechurch in Worcestershire, is hoping to take on the challenge in October in memory of his partner Sarah.

The two organisations helped care for Sarah, aged 42, who passed away from cancer in September last year after a short battle.

Now Dean plans to trek 78km through the Sahara in Morocco, camping the whole way before ending his journey in Marrakesh.

He said: "Sarah is the love of my life and her diagnosis had a huge emotional impact on us both. Although her short stay in the QE was traumatic, I cannot begin to thank the staff who cared for both of us when we were at our lowest – I truly consider them angels on earth. I would like to specifically thank nurse Rachel Ede, who went above and beyond to support us.

"This challenge has given me something to focus on and is my way of giving back to the absolutely incredible staff at the QE. I know Sarah will be by my side every step of the way."

Cathryn Worth, fundraising manager at University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, said: "We are incredibly humbled by Dean’s story and cannot thank him enough for selflessly choosing to support us during this immensely difficult time. Our thoughts are with him and Sarah’s family and wish him the very best of luck with his fundraising challenge."

Dean, a sales director, is also being supported by his colleagues at healthcare provider HealthTrust Europe and its subsidiary CoreTrust Europe.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/deansaharatrek