Male model Alex Eastman treks in Sahara Desert for St Michael's Hospice (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Male model Alex Eastman treks in Sahara Desert for St Michael's Hospice
4:00pm Saturday 23rd March 2013 in News By Adam Richards
Alex Eastman
A MALE model completed a gruelling six-day trek through the Sahara Desert – raising thousands for St Michael’s Hospice as a tribute to his late father.
Alex Eastman, 25, a part-time sports model with a London-based agency, walked dozens of miles a day braving scorching daytime temperatures and freezing nights.
The expedition raised more than £6,000 for the Basingstoke hospice which cared for his 69-year-old father David, right, who suffered from brain cancer.
“When my father became very ill, the hospice day centre was one of the real shining lights for us,” said Alex, who also runs his own internet marketing business. “They gave him real respite and made him feel his old self.
“He was in and out of lots of hospitals but the hospice always did an amazing job.”
Alex, who grew up in Winchfield and now lives in Sherfield Park, near Basingstoke, embarked on his trek in Morocco last month.
Berber guides led Alex and the 14-strong group across sand dunes in temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.
“It was up and down sand dunes – not in a straight line, and you are always sinking into the sand going up the large dunes. It was a real test of endurance.
“The temperatures were in the mid 40s. When the wind did come, it was not a refreshing breeze, it was full of sand.”
Sadly Alex’s dad died from cerebral lymphoma weeks before the trek.
Alex also paid tribute to his mum Fiona and his sister Victoria, along with other friends for supporting his adventure.
Victoria, 28, who was married in All Saints’ Church, Odiham, used the reception, in Farnham, to help raise £3,000 by holding an open bar in return for donations.
Iain Cameron, director of income generation at St. Michael’s Hospice praised Alex’s effort: “Challenge events are a great way to fulfil lifelong ambitions whilst raising valuable money for charity. St Michael’s Hospice is incredibly grateful.”
