Last updated 15:22, Thursday, 04 December 2008

THE 13 lucky walkers who swapped soggy Tynedale for the burning heat of the Namibian desert have returned in triumph.

The trekkers took on a formidable 90km challenge to raise money for the Charlotte Straker Project at Corbridge.

The nine-day trek was part of a bid to raise £50,000 to provide additional facilities for the frail, elderly people living at Charlotte Straker.

One of the trekkers who conquered the Damaraland and Brandberg Trek in the Namib Desert was retired headmaster of Haydon Bridge High School David Thompson, who lives in Corbridge.

He said: “It was the challenge we had all expected, especially the fifth day when we set off at dawn and trekked under the relentless sun until almost dusk.

“But apart from blisters to the feet, sore knees and the occasional tummy upset, everyone coped with the physical rigours of the adventure.”

He said even those discomforts were well worth it, as the scenery was spectacular, not least the dramatic rock formations and the surprisingly varied flora of the Ugab valley.

There was also the White Lady rock painting to marvel at in the spectacular Brandberg Massif, as well as the refreshing sundowner from atop of a nearby hill on day three.

Mr Thompson also revealed there had even been ‘puddle bathing’ in a spring on day four.

He said: “Whether this was similarly refreshing is debatable, what with the nearby elephant dung – but at least it made us relatively clean, if not exactly sweet smelling!

“What also helped make the whole experience so worthwhile was the care and attention afforded by our guides and support team.

“They fed and watered us very well indeed, although it tended to be a cool beer after a long day in the desert.

“The kudu schnitzel and zebra casserole lingered long in the taste buds, just as the sing-songs around the evening camp fire remain a happy memory.”

He said it had been a challenging but thoroughly enjoyable experience in the Namibian wilderness – followed by the exhilarating lions, leopards, elephants and rhinos of Etosha.

An open evening of photos and a video took place at Corbridge’s parish hall on Friday.

Mr Thompson was at pains to point out that each of the trekkers had paid every single penny of the costs from their own pockets, and all donations had gone straight to the charity.

The trek raised over £15,000, to be added to £3,554 raised from a grand auction held in May.

Mr Thompson said: “This is a real achievement deserving real appreciation for the supporting families, friends and businesses.

“The project’s vision remains to further enhance Charlotte Straker’s provision for the frail elderly in the area.

“To this end, discussions are going on with the local NHS concerning the commissioning of community based palliative care beds within Charlotte Straker House.”