Desert fundraiser to aid University Hospitals Birmingham Charity

Sahara trek in honour of late fiancée.

Dean Marsh is an incredible fundraiser who has chosen to raise money for staff on Ward 622 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham to thank those who looked after his partner Sarah, who very sadly passed away from cancer suddenly on the 28th Sept 2020. Dean has so far raised over £5000 which will be used to support staff wellbeing.

Speaking to why he was choosing to undertake this challenge Dean said: “Sarah is the love of my life and her diagnosis had a huge emotional impact on us both. Although her short stay in the QE was traumatic, I cannot begin to thank the staff who cared for both of us when we were at our lowest – I truly consider them angels on earth. I would like to specifically thank nurse Rachel Ede who went above and beyond to support us, even staying past the end of her shift to continue to sit with me.”

Dean plans to trek 78km through the Sahara desert, camping the whole way and ending his epic journey in Marrakesh. Dean said: “This will be a tough challenge but it’s been great for me to have something to focus on after Sarah died and being able to give back to the staff in Sarah’s memory means a lot to me. I know Sarah will be by my side every step of the way.

“I have been blown away by how quickly donations have been flooding in from all over the world in honour of Sarah. The staff at the QE have been absolutely incredible and I want them to know how much Sarah and myself appreciated how they supported us in the very darkest of times.”

Cathryn Worth, Fundraising Manager at UHB Charity said: “We are incredibly humbled by Dean’s story and cannot thank him enough for selflessly choosing to support us during this immensely difficult time. Our thoughts are with him and Sarah’s family and wish him the very best of luck with his fundraising challenge.”

University Hospitals Birmingham Charity supports patients and staff at the QE, Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospitals, providing added extras which are over and above what the NHS can provide.

If you would like to support Dean visit his Fundraising page.