Nine-year-old treks 100k across Sahara for Leamington charity

Freddie returned from his four-day adventure this week and has helped raise £5,618 for his favourite charity Guide Dogs in Leamington.

He was joined by parents Matt and Lynne, a group of fundraisers and a camel called Rooney when he got tired and needed to hitch a ride.

The trek of just over 62 miles has been arranged with help from the Leamington branch of Optical Express in Bedford Street.

Freddie, who lives in Rugby, said: “Some days were very long and tough in the heat, especially when I got sunburn and blisters, but I kept going.

“I rode on Rooney when it got really bad. Being on a bumpy camel when you feel sick isn’t very nice though.”

He said setting up camp was fun and he made a lot of friends while he was away.

“Climbing ‘Eric’, the largest sand dune in the area at 200 metres high, was a high point for me. The whole experience was amazing.”

Freddie said he got involved because he wanted to make a difference.

“Guide Dogs help blind and partially-sighted people and I love the thought that I can help a charity that changes people’s lives,” he said.

“With my mummy and daddy we have boarded a total of ten guide dogs in training and at the moment our second puppy Kiki.”

His parents are volunteers for the local fundraising branch, and they have previously all entered the Great North Run in order to raise money.

People can still sponsor Freddie www.justgiving.com/freddies-sahara-trek/ or visit www.facebook.com/freddiestrek