The coronavirus has been incredibly tough on many charities and organisations, none less so for Weldmar Hospicecare.

This year will bring the return of Weldmar's Sahara trek, a vital fundraiser that caught the eye of Bridport resident Kelly Heath.

When a good friend passed away in Weldmar's care last year, Kelly made a promise to her to fundraise for Weldmar to show appreciation of the support and care they'd given to her friend and family.

Kelly hasn't done a physical challenge for a charity before - save a sponsored swim a couple of years ago. But something about the Sahara challenge appealed to her.

She said: "I know it's going to be tough, but that's what makes it exciting. I'm looking forward to trekking alongside the camels, and sleeping under the stars at night."

One of Kelly's friends - Nikki Taylor, who works at Weldmar Hospicecare's inpatient unit - is also taking on the Sahara challenge. But Kelly is also very much looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends.

With 10 months until departure, Kelly has already achieved the £1,500 fundraising target.

She added: "My fundraising has gone so well and people have been so generous. I started with a raffle, so I walked into lots of shops in Bridport to ask if they would donate anything - and so many did. I work at Bridport Leisure Centre and they very kindly donated a six-month membership at the gym."

Having a physical presence with a stall in the town during November, and then at the Christmas market in December, helped attract people to take part in the raffle. A couple of supermarkets allowed Kelly to set up a stall in their entrance and The Ropemakers helped by letting Kelly collect in the pub and held a cake raffle for her. Harbour Gifts in West Bay has also been very helpful and supportive.

Kelly enjoys making and decorating cakes so used her skills to help fundraise.

She said: "The Co-op in Bridport was really supportive. A lady that works there suggested I apply for a fundraising grant. Luckily, I was awarded it and it helped to buy ingredients so I could make and raffle 10 cakes. It went so well and I made £600.

"I would like to thank everyone that's helped me raise a fantastic amount of money so far."

A Christmas lights display in Bradpole, which was officially switched on by Doc Martin star, Martin Clunes, also helped raise more than £1,000 for Kelly's fundraising efforts.

Kelly said she is going to continue fundraising until she leaves for the Sahara in November, and when asked if she'd recommend taking on the challenge and fundraising for Weldmar, Kelly's answer is a resounding 'yes'.

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