AN INTREPID couple have raised an “incredible” £72,000 for a breast cancer charity by taking part in a 100km trek across the Sahara Desert – with the backing of North-East racegoers.
Redcar Director and Clerk of the Course, Jonjo Sanderson, and his wife, Donna, raised the money for the CoppaFeel!charity after the mum-of-three was successfully treated for breast cancer last year.
Redcar Racecourse played its part back in June when the first race on Zetland Gold Cup day was called the Coppafeel 100km Sahara Desert Trek Claiming Stakes, and there was an exit collection for the charity after racing.
In a thank you message to supporters, Jonjo described the trek – along with 120 other fundraisers – as “one of the most remarkable experiences of my life”.
He added: “Trekking 100km across the desert was never going to be an easy challenge, but we both feel lucky and proud to have been able to take part in this dune climbing adventure.
“As you would expect, there were a whole host of emotions expressed during the week, but the determination, admiration and care that existed within the group was quite remarkable.
“This trek was never really about getting to the finish line in super-quick time. Instead, it was about 120 people coming together for a common cause to support each other through blisters, aching bones and a few tears, and coming out feeling euphoric, uplifted and proud at our collective achievement.”
He said that the £72,000 raised had exceeded the couple’s wildest expectations, and would make an “enormous difference” to the charity.
Before the trek, Donna, a director of Littlefairs Property Company, had spoken openly about her diagnosis and treatment for grade three, invasive, lobular breast cancer which required a full mastectomy.
She attended the fund-raising day at Redcar, selling raffle tickets for a host of prizes, including experiences offered by the racing fraternity.
The trek, along with another which took place in Wales, raised more than £1m for CoppaFeel, whose support made a “vital difference” to Donna’s recovery after her diagnosis.
- To find out more about the charity, go to: coppafeel.org/our-charity/