Walsall dad making epic desert trek for hospice in memory of his daughter
A Walsall dad will be making the trip of a lifetime and taking on an epic trek across the hottest and most famous desert in the world for the charity that supported him and his family through their darkest moment.
Mark Lyttle is taking on the adventure and is walking 50km through the sand dunes and rocky, lunar landscapes to raise vital funds for Acorns Children's Hospice and its care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.
He is taking on the trek in memory of his daughter Isabella who was cared for at Acorns in the Black Country during her brave battle with a childhood cancer.
The Walsall-based lifeline became like a second home to Isabella and her family.
Sadly, she died aged just 11 in 2019.
Mark said: “I’m doing the trek for all of those at Acorns who have given us so much. I'm just so grateful, because I truly believe Isabella lived longer because of Acorns, and they really did put a smile on her face.
“Sun, sand and a bit of solitude is right up my alley, but I may not be saying that after a couple of days.”
He will be joining an intrepid team of 27 Acorns explorers all taking on the challenge to raise money to help the hospice.
The #TeamAcorns Sahara Trek 2023 will start on October 14.
Mark is hoping to raise £10,000 through his JustGiving page.
He said: “We’re going to be camping under the stars, but there will be no toilets and we’ll have to dig a hole in the ground. I will miss the creature comforts, and there will be no showers, just baby wipes. But I’m not going to worry about those sorts of things.
“I’m just looking forward to being with people who've all got different, deeply personal connections to Acorns, and to being with the charity’s ambassadors, the staff and other parents, family or friends who've lost children like I have.
“We've all been, and still continue to be, supported by Acorns. So, you always feel stronger together.”
Mark said the most essential item he will be taking is ‘plasters’ as the team endures the heat of the desert during the day and cold during the night.
The trip will last for eight days as they fly to Marrakech, cross the Atlas Mountains, and follow ancient caravan routes into the Sahara.
Mark said: “What would Isabella say? She would say, if you’re going to the Sahara I’m coming with you. She was always by my side.
“Isabella was so happy at Acorns, I saw how happy she was. She came to Acorns to just be a child, all of us would come just to be able to do things as a family. Acorns literally hold your hand – it’s just brilliant.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions and support for their families.
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 700 children across the Black Country and wider West Midlands, and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.
Acorns needs around £27,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
Visit the JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/AcornsSaharaTrek2023 to support the charity.
