Desert challenge is next step for ‘inspirational’ boss

An “inspirational” business owner is planning to trek the Sahara for charity after completing a marathon challenge on home shores.

Laura Pearce, Managing Director at Patron Strand PR, has signed up to walk around 80km in the unforgiving desert environment where temperatures will top 35C to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The five-day trail in Morocco in February next year follows a 26-mile walk she completed for the same charity in August.

She said: “I speak to so many people whose families are being torn apart by dementia – it is such a cruel illness, robbing relatives of their loved ones. A small amount of discomfort for me is nothing compared with the issues these families are facing every day.

“I love a challenge, so while I can, I want to support a charity that provides incredible support for those families affected.”

Laura smashed through the £2,000 barrier for the Trek26 Suffolk Coast event, making her the sixth highest fundraiser as she crossed the line in seven hours, 48 minutes, placing her 12th out of 384 walkers.

“I am lucky I walk my dogs regularly because I didn’t have time to do any real training for the walk. It was a very warm day and an early start – I just wanted to get to the finish line as quickly as possible.

“Tackling the Sahara will be very different and I have been taking advice from someone who has already done it so I should be well prepared. I’m not too concerned about the walking itself, or the heat. I think the lack of shower and camping will be the real challenge for me!”

She has set herself a goal of raising £3,500.

And she doesn’t plan to stop there. “I’d like to tackle a new challenge each year. I think climbing Kilimanjaro will be next on the list.”

Laura is being supported by her Strand PR team who are cheering her on from the sidelines. Editorial Manager Julie Palmer said: “Laura isn’t a fan of the limelight, but what she is doing for charity needs to be recognised. She is inspirational and we all think she is incredible.”

You can donate here https://dasaharatrekfeb25.enthuse.com/pf/laura-pearce