Al’s Sahara Adventure

Alan Fairbairn decided to take on Rust 2 Sahara challenge in April this year to raise money for our Edinburgh Cancer Centre Fund after his father was diagnosed with cancer and treated there. Driving thousands of miles to the Sahara to raise money for the amazing staff who cared for his father seemed like a great way to say #ThankYouNHS. He also wanted to push himself to do something challenging as he has his own diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

The trip’s final destination had to be changed days before he took off due to restrictions into Morocco. Alan asked the organisers to keep the final destination a surprise and then embarked on a journey which saw him and others drive over 3,500 miles (6,000 including ferry rides) in a car costing no more than £500, through cities across Europe including Glasgow, Belfast, Rome, Venice and Barcelona to name a few.  After 17 days of driving, Alan finally reached the furthest point of his challenge – Athens.

This amazing challenge saw Alan raise over £1,500 for the Edinburgh Cancer Centre.

“I’ve not taken this all in, it’s been 3 weeks since the challenge. To cover that kind of mileage and to push myself so far, physically and mentally, doesn’t compare to what someone is going through with a cancer diagnosis. I can’t thank the team at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre enough for the care my dad received. My dad’s feedback of his treatment has been great, they really looked after him, this is my way of saying thank you.”

Alan Fairbairn

Thanks to Alan’s fundraising the Edinburgh Cancer Centre can do more for patients and staff, innovating with special projects, research, specialist equipment or everyday items that improve patient comfort and care.