Sand Dudes take on desert challenge (From Stourbridge News)

Sand Dudes take on desert challenge

12:03pm Saturday 9th February 2008 in Local

A TEAM of four insurance brokers are getting ready to trek across the desert to raise cash for charity.

Andy Everall, Neale Ingram, Chris Swain and Steve Walker from Ingram Hawkins and Nock Insurance brokers, Worcester Street, Stourbridge, are planning to run, hike and bike across The Namib desert.

The team of four called The Sand Dudes will be going head to head against teams from other companies in an attempt to win of the coveted trophy.

As part of the challenge the team will have to run, hike and bike across 140 kilometres of the sand planes, rocky ridges, mountains of the Namib desert, they will also have to abseil for four hours down a rock face.

Managing director Elizabeth Foster said: "Since before Christmas The Sand Dudes have been training for the phenomenal physical and mental challenge that faces them and everyone at Ingram Hawkins and Nock are supporting them wholeheartedly including assisting their fundraising efforts."

The challenge is taking from Friday April 18 to Friday April 25 and the team are hoping to raise £25,000 for the Princes Trust.

All the money raised by the team will be used for the benefit of local young people.

Chris Swain said: "I realised this is a once in a lifetime opportunity which couldn't be missed, particularly the challenge to raise money for a good cause.

"As the daddy of the team, aged 47, I consider myself reasonably fit, but I am now taking my fitness to a new higher level.

"Our running and cycling training has endured driving rain, gale force winds, ice and snow showers.

"Hardly the ideal acclimatisation for 30 degrees centigrade in an African desert, but it will give us the strength, stamina and determination to succeed."

The youth charity aims to help change young lives in the UK by giving practical and financial support, developing skills such as confidence and motivation.

The Princes Trust helps youngsters aged between 14 and 30 who have struggled at school, have been in care and are long term unemployed.

To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/ihnsure or by posting a cheque to Ingram Hawkins and Nock Limited, The Old Dispensary, Worcester Street, Stourbridge.