Valentine’s hamper raffle to support Lesley

The countdown is on for Principal Teacher of the Early Years Inclusion Support Team, Lesley Campbell to take on the adventure of a lifetime…

All in a bid to raise awareness and as many funds as possible for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Lesley is taking on the challenge of trekking through the Sahara Desert, to support a worthy cause which is close to her heart.

Already smashing her initial goal of £1,800 ahead of the trip, Lesley contacted us as she is hoping to secure additional donations before she sets off on her not-for-the-faint-hearted adventure.

Lesley shares: “On 5 March 2025, I am going to be embarking on a 4 day trek through the world’s largest – and one of the hottest – deserts. I’m daunted but extremely excited as I’ll be joining forces with 15 others who will be camping alongside me, all raising money for CHAS.

“My colleagues, friends, family members and people I connect with via social media have been so unbelievably generous so far and I would like to share a huge thank you with them.

“CHAS is an incredible charity and over the past 33 years during my career in education, I have supported them and their worthy cause.

“I turned 50 during the pandemic and didn’t really manage to celebrate this milestone. So, although my plans have been delayed, I am ready to take on this challenge of a lifetime and score  the Sahara trek off my ever-expanding bucket list.”

Lucky for Lesley, her childhood friend Alison whom she grew up with in Saltcoats, but now lives in London, will be part of the unforgettable journey too.

The challenge will be a gruelling one for the two friends who have been training over the past year to take on the scorching 30 degrees heat, challenging underfoot terrain and chilling night time temperatures.

Lesley adds: “Thank you so much to everyone who has helped me so far. My fundraising was kicked off with a Pink tribute night in August , followed by a Race night in October, raising an incredible £3,500 towards the end of last year.

“I’m at £4,500 now and by the end of this month I’m hoping to get to my final target of £5,000 which would be amazing.

“My final fundraising initiative is a raffle for a fabulous Valentine Hamper worth about £200 and also several mini hampers. Tickets are £5 , please contact me via email at: lesleycampbell@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.

“All of your generous donations mean so very much to me, and the final total we manage to raise is going to go a long way in supporting children and families through their own unimaginable journey’s, so please if you can, take the time out to donate.”