Two Rugby friends have completed the toughest and most emotional challenge of their lives to help raise money for a charity close to their hearts.

Michelle Love and Sharon Goodfellow trekked 100km across the Sahara Desert, raising nearly £10,000 for Alzheimer's Society.

They faced challenging desert terrain in intense heat that pushed them physically and emotionally.

Michelle, owner of local magazines Fresh Home & Living and Allsorts, said her dad Tony Roche was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in May 2025.

Michelle Love completed the dhallenge in memory of her dad. Right: Michelle and Sharon Goodfellow trekked 100km across the Sahara Desert, raising nearly £10,000 for Alzheimer's Society.

placeholder image — Michelle Love completed the dhallenge in memory of her dad. Right: Michelle and Sharon Goodfellow trekked 100km across the Sahara Desert, raising nearly £10,000 for Alzheimer's Society.

He deteriorated rapidly, sadly passing away on September 29, just ten days before the pair were due to leave.

Michelle said: “My dad was a much-loved, funny and cheeky character who continued working at Rainsbrook Crematorium until the age of 80, tenderly caring for the grounds alongside his colleagues.”

She said despite his illness, Tony was able to spend a few precious months alongside his own mum, Hilda Roche, at The Red House Dementia Care Home in Rugby.

Hilda sadly passed away on her remarkable 106th birthday in June this year.

Tony Roche was loved by everybody who knew him.

"Dad was such a fabulous character,”Michelle went on.

“Losing him just before we left made the trek even more poignant. I'd like to think he'd have been proud of what we achieved."

In the months leading up to the challenge, Michelle and Sharon organised four fundraising events, supported by the generosity of local businesses, friends, family and the wider Rugby community.

From donating raffle prizes and attending events to buying tickets, sponsoring the pair and helping behind the scenes, the support helped them raise nearly £10,000 between them.

The team unite for charity. They have raised £190,000 for Alzheimer's Society so far.

Michelle said: "We've been absolutely blown away by the generosity of local people and businesses. So many donated prizes, gave up their time, attended our events or contributed whatever they could. Every single donation has made a difference, and we can't thank everyone enough."

The friends said alongside the tough conditions came breathtaking scenery, laughter, friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Supported by an incredible team of local Berber guides and Discover Adventure staff, Michelle and Sharon shared the experience with 46 fellow trekkers.

Collectively they have raised more than £190,000 so far.

Michelle said: "It was without doubt the toughest, most emotional and most challenging thing we've ever undertaken, but also the most amazing experience of our lives.

"We laughed, we cried, supported each other and shared some incredibly personal stories. We started as strangers and came home as friends.

"We're also incredibly grateful to be fit and healthy enough to have had this opportunity to take on such an extraordinary challenge and hopefully make a difference."

For Michelle and Sharon, the experience has been about far more than completing a physical challenge.

Sharon said: "We set out to raise money and awareness of this cruel disease, but we've come home with so much more. The friendships, memories and sense of achievement will stay with us forever.

"We're immensely proud of what we've achieved together and so grateful to everyone who helped make it possible."

Donations can still be made to Alzheimer's Society through their fundraising pages. Visit https://dasaharatrekoct26.enthuse.com/pf/sharongoodfellowfbclid=IwdGRjcAVElD1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBW and https://dasaharatrekoct26.enthuse.com/pf/michelle-love?fbclid=IwdGRjcAVElIZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZk