Trekkers will be braving hot sands and scorching sun when they journey across the Sahara desert to raise money for a local family charity.

Trekkers will be braving hot sands and scorching sun when they journey across the Sahara desert to raise money for a local family charity.

Fitness expert Tommy Carey of Total Care Personal Training and Home-Start employee Claire Moynihan are setting off on a five day, 100km hike across the world’s biggest hot desert to reach a target of £6,000.

The original team included the charity’s chief executive Lara Norris and St Albans security consult Sid Khan, whose family had previously been supported by Home-Start, but they both had to sub out.

Lara suffered a training injury and Sid had family issues - Lara’s place was auctioned for £3,000 to Tommy at one of the charity’s fundraising events.

More than £4,500 has been raised so far on the fundraising page, which said: “Their 100km journey will take them beyond the Jebel Saghro region where they will pass through valleys, gorges, plateaus, sand dunes and oasis.

“Each evening as the suns sets our weary trekkers will share a well-deserved Moroccan meal with their companions before wild camping under the starry sky.”

Strategic manager at Home-Start Suzy Moody said: “It always amazes me the lengths people will go to support Home-Start.

“I am sure Tommy and Claire will have an awesome experience, and look forward to hearing all about it when they return.”

They head off on November 11 - to donate, click here.

Sympathetic philanthropists for Home-Start can also attend a Fawlty Towers style event being held at St Michaels Manor in St Albans.

Hosts Basil and Cybil, not forgetting notorious waiter Manuel, will provide a 5 star dining experience at the prestigious hotel - along with a guaranteed serving of chaos.

There will be a raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses including a microlight aircraft flying lesson and a Thames cruise.

Home-Start is a charity which offers emotional and practical support to parents who are struggling with day-to-day life, maybe because of long-term illness, disability, mental health problems, or isolation and loneliness.

For tickets to the event and more information, click here.