Meet the Sahara Trekkers!

Introducing our Sahara Trekkers! This October five of Team Hollies are taking on a challenge to raise awareness and most importantly, money for St. Luke’s Cheshire Hospice.

A 50km trek across the Sahara Desert. Sweltering heat by day (around 37 degrees!), freezing temperatures by night (around zero!), no toilets, no showers (just a pack of baby wipes!) no hair straighteners, no comfy bed – no 5-star Hollies luxury there! They’ll be scaling sand dunes whilst carrying their water and daily provisions, gaining an insight into the vast and diverse landscape of the Sahara, camping under the stars and learning all about the Berber way of life.

So, who are these crazy 5?

SARAH

What is your role at The Hollies?

I do Photography and Marketing at The Hollies and have worked here for 10 years.

What made you sign up?

I was leaving a meeting with the team at St Luke’s inspired by their passion and in awe of all that they do for our local community, and Jane from St. Luke’s mentioned the trek… it sounded like a great challenge and I (perhaps foolishly) blurted out, “I’d do that!”

What are you doing to get ready for the challenge?

Probably not enough! I have bought some walking boots and trying to get out walking in them as much as I can. Also go to the gym 2-4 times per week.

What are you most looking forward to?

Sleeping under the stars – apparently the night skies are amazing as there is no light pollution!

What are you most worried about?

Well, mainly everything (!!) but mostly I’d say the heat as it will be about 37 degrees in the day whilst we trek and then there’s the toilet situation (or lack of)….

 

MINDY

What is your role at The Hollies?

I’m Marketing Manager at The Hollies and I’ve been with the company for 12 years.

What made you sign up?

I signed up because it seemed like a good idea at the time!  And St Luke’s offer a critical service to the local area.

What are you doing to get ready for the challenge?

To get ready for it, I have lost 6 stone and made exercise classes part of my daily routine!  I have yet to do a walk though!!

What are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to lying under the stars, watching for shooting stars!

What are you most worried about?

I am most worried about not having WhatsApp and getting blisters on my feet!!

ESTA

What is your role at The Hollies?

I am Restaurant Manager in the Coffee Shop and 59 at The Hollies, Little Budworth since January 2017.

What made you sign up?

For the experience, the challenge and to raise money for St. Luke’s.

What are you doing to get ready for the challenge?

Getting out and about walking when I’m not busy in the restaurant, also when I’m in the restaurant I walk at least 12,000 steps per shift! Started doing Hot Pod Yoga (which is done in the same heat as the Sahara will be during the day) and spin classes.

What are you most looking forward to?

Seeing a clear night sky full of stars.

What are you most worried about?

How my little size 2 feet are going to cope with all the walking!

STEPHANIE

What is your role at The Hollies?

I worked at The Hollies for around 9 years in various roles until leaving earlier this year to become a carer for my Mum.

What made you sign up?

For the challenge, to do something I’ve never done before and to do something way out of my comfort zone. The pictures of the stars in the night sky at the information evening swung it for me!

What are you doing to get ready for the challenge?

Walking mainly which I do a lot anyway with my dog, Angel. Just need to get in some hill climbs soon!

What are you most looking forward to?

A new experience and the nights sky.

What are you most worried about?

Blisters!

ANNIE

What is your role at The Hollies?

I am Assistant Manager in 59 at The Hollies and have been here on and off for 7 years.

What made you sign up?

I signed up as it sounded exciting and to raise money for charity was amazing, especially St. Luke’s.

What are you doing to get ready for the challenge?

I’ve been going to Hot Pod Yoga with Esta as heat training, going for runs, to the gym and on a few hikes with my dogs Agnes and Max.

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to the feeling of success at the end, the dark nights under the stars and that first sip of wine after!

What are you most worried about?

I’m most worried about the heat, anything else, bring it on!!

____

Our Sahara Trekkers have been busy fundraising this year. So far, they have held Quiz Nights, a Bingo Night, Pop Up Raffles and also getting donations on their personal JustGiving pages. They would like to say, “a big thank you to all our friends, family, customers and suppliers for your support so far. You are the best!”

If there is anyone else out there that can give the team a little boost, please go to;
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/holliesteamtrek

Good luck team!