Hazel tackles Sahara trek for Hospiscare

The co-owner of a Sidmouth ice cream shop proved she can handle the heat when she trekked across the Sahara for Hospiscare.

Hazel Jones (pictured) covered miles of desert, river beds and mountains to repay the debt she feels she owes the charity for the care it gave to her late husband.

Kevin died of prostate cancer last March after four weeks in the Exeter hospice and Hazel has been fundraising since to ensure others can benefit.

“Having been on the receiving end of their fantastic care, I’m committed to make sure it’s still there for people in the future,” said the mum-of-two.

“The staff there go above and beyond the call of duty.

“People cross the road when they see me – I’ve always got a sponsorship form on me.”

The 38-year-old, of Tipton St John, is still collecting her sponsorship money but the 22-person trek has already raised enough to pay a community nurse’s salary.

Previously Hazel has organised ‘a night to remember’ at Crealy, and taken part in the Great West Run.

And after the charity’s first long-distance fundraiser, the cause is now eyeing up the Great Wall of China.

Will Hazel take part? “Watch this space,” she said.

Hazel can still be backed for the Sahara trek by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HazelJones2 or Taste of Sidmouth.