A funeralcare team has conquered the Sahara Desert to raise money for a children’s charity.

Stacy Power, Funeral Arranger at Co-op Funeralcare Bury, on Silver Street, was among the group of 12 Co-op Funeralcare workers who completed an unforgettable trek across the Sahara Desert to raise funds for Barnardo’s.

The trek, which took place from 27th February to 5th March 2025, saw Stacy and her colleagues travel 50km through the desert, raising an impressive £38,120 in total across the group.

The funds raised will directly support Barnardo’s work with vulnerable children, helping to provide essential services such as mental health support and food access.

Co-op Funeralcare team raises over £38,000 with Sahara Desert trek

placeholder image — Co-op Funeralcare team raises over £38,000 with Sahara Desert trek

Stacy and her team faced challenging weather conditions, including snow in the Atlas Mountains, high temperatures in the desert, and even a sandstorm. Despite the physical demands of the journey, Stacy says the experience was “a life-changing experience and worth every step.”

Stacy said: “The team was amazing and so supportive. The desert is truly breathtaking and no picture can do it justice. It was a unique experience that I’ll never forget, especially being out there during Ramadan. I’d highly recommend it to anyone.”

Stacy’s fundraising efforts were supported by her colleagues, family and friends, with other creative initiatives such as car boot sales, tombolas and raffles. Individually, Stacy raised £2,929 for the charity – exceeding her £2,200 target.

Reflecting on the journey, Stacy offered a few practical tips for anyone considering a similar trek: “Definitely wear comfortable walking boots and make sure they’re well broken in. Pack plenty of sweets and nuts to maintain your energy and be prepared for all types of weather.”

She concluded: “At Co-op Funeralcare, we are always keen to support important causes however we can. Following our charity partnership with Barnardo’s to aid young people, it felt natural to undertake this trek in their support."

Co-op Funeralcare has a long-standing partnership with Barnardo’s, aiming to raise £5 million to support 750,000 young people across the UK. The funds raised will provide critical services, including mental health support, food access and opportunities for a better future.

To learn more about Co-op Funeralcare Bury, visit: Funeral Directors in Bury, Silver Street - Co-op