Nurses' Sahara trek aids English patients

Apr 13 2007 By Poppy Brady, Birmingham Mail

TWO nurses at a Birmingham hospital are embarking on the trip of a lifetime to raise cash for a unique scheme that enhances the lives of people with cancer.

Oncology staff nurse Karen Palmer and haematology specialist nurse Julia Busby, who work at the Priory Hospital, in Edgbaston, are training for an exhausting 80-mile trek across north Africa's Sahara Desert.

The pair are tackling one of the most inhospitable places on Earth to raise funds for Odyssey, a charity organising surprise activity breaks for cancer sufferers.

People who go on the short holidays in Herefordshire try out all kinds of activities such as rock climbing or something a little less taxing like oil painting or pottery.

Karen, aged 30, from Bournville, said: "It's a truly inspiring scheme which helps patients regain their self confidence and zest for life.

"There's also an element of surprise because those who take part in the trips don't know beforehand what kind of activities they will be tackling.

"It's going to be quite an adventure!"

The scheme was originally launched by a consultant oncologist who felt that cancer patients would be helped by being able to tackle activities in the great outdoors."

Julia, aged 45, from Warwick, said: "Our whole department has been inspired by the project and been very supportive with the fund raising.

"In one morning alone we raised more than £1,000 with a coffee morning and now some of the staff are staging a sponsored slim.

"Both Karen and I have already achieved our target of raising £3,000 each. Now we are hoping to raise £10,000 between us by the time we go to the Sahara in October."

Karen and Julia aim to complete their marathon in a week. Daytime temperatures in the Sahara - spectacular backdrop to hit movie The English Patient - can soar to 40C, then plummet below zero at night.

Anyone who wishing to know more about the scheme can visit www.odyssey.org.uk or call 01989 770 057.