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MEET THE TEAM: SAMEED ASGHAR

July 29, 2025

At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of our amazing team of Leaders. We know it can be a little daunting signing up for a challenge for the first time, so we thought you might like to meet the team in advance of your Charity Challenge. Today, we introduce you to one of our experienced Charity Challenge leaders, Sameed Asghar…

Sameed Asghar leading for Charity Challenge on the Isle of Skye CoppaTrek! with Coppafeel!

How long have you worked with Charity Challenge as a leader?

I’ve been a leader for Charity Challenge for 5 years now. The London 10 Peaks Challenge was the first Charity Challenge event I worked on.

What’s been your favourite challenge (so far)?

The Scottish Highlands CoppaTrek! with Coppafeel! was probably my favourite challenge, as it’s the first time I learnt about the charity and the great work they do. The whole group was a pleasure to be with, I cannot emphasise enough how good the vibes were! Being able to support the group as a Charity Challenge leader was an honour.

Sameed Asghar on the Scottish Highlands CoppaTrek! Challenge

Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?

There are so many challenges on my bucket list still! As a leader, I don’t really get to do my own hikes/adventures as much as before, but one day I would love to do the Dolomites in Italy.

How do you keep your fitness in tip top shape for challenge season?

As well as an active leader, I’m also a football (futsal) coach and play a couple times a week, so this keeps me in good shape. I also use the gym during the week to stay fit!

Meet the team: Sameed Asghar, Charity Challenge Leader

What are your go to snacks to keep you fuelled and hydrated on a challenge?

Sometimes breakfast is rushed with early starts, so I find those oat to go breakfast bars great. One bar is equivalent to having a bowl of porridge. I also love to snack on Medjool dates during a trek – they’re tasty and great for energy.

Any top tips to share with participants signed up to a challenge?

Tip 1 – Train as much as you can for a challenge, as then you’ll enjoy it even more. Even if you don’t have steep hills/mountains locally, long walks are great for training. Also, if you’re a gym goer and have the Stairmaster machine – that’s great for training for hills and ascents!

Tip 2 – Invest in a good pair of walking boots and hiking socks. I highly recommend Bridgedale socks. It’s also important boots aren’t too tight and that you break into them well before a challenge.

Sameed posing at the summit of a mountain with some charity challenge participants

What 5 items do you always pack in your daypack?

The 5 items I always pack in my daypack are water/snacks, a first aid kit, group shelter, a power bank and waterproof layers.

What is the best thing about being a leader?

The best thing about being a leader is knowing I’ve helped someone else reach their goals by supporting them on a Charity Challenge.

Leader Sameed Asghar smiling with other leaders on a charity challenge

What is your proudest achievement to date?

My proudest achievement to date has been driving an ambulance full of aid from Birmingham to the Gaza strip.

COMMON COMPLAINTS AND INJURIES ON A CHALLENGE

July 28, 2025

The physical nature of our Charity Challenges mean aches, injuries and common complaints often occur, due to exertion over long days, tough terrain and intense effort. These hurdles are a natural part of the experience – and part of what makes it a real ‘challenge’! Thankfully, most can be managed or prevented with proper preparation and awareness.

Using our industry knowledge and team’s experience, we’ve listed the eight most common of these complaints below, to help you understand what causes them and how to effectively avoid or handle them…

Common complaints and injuries on challenges. Photo Credit: Fraser Morton.

1. Blisters and Foot Pain

Causes: One of the most common side effects of trekking challenges – caused by boots not being worn-in or fitting properly, wearing poor quality socks and sweat, rain and even sand worsening the effects of friction against your feet.
Preventions: Ensure your walking boots fit properly and you’ve thoroughly broken them in during training over similar terrain/distances. Tape your feet up with Kinesiology or Zinc-Oxide tape (we recommend SportTape) before setting off to keep blisters at bay and opt for high quality socks, such as Bridgedale’s.
Team Tips: Ensure there is half to a full thumbs width of space at the toe end of your boots to account for swelling in heat and wearing thicker socks. Your feet should not overhang the sides nor should there be excessive space at the sides or heel. Check your boots are in good condition before your challenge – old footwear could fail and fall apart when you need them most! – Phil Nelson, Charity Challenge Leader

Read our Taking Care of Your Feet on Challenges blog for further advice and tips.

man using SPORTTAPE kinesiology tape to prevent blisters, a common complaint and injury on challenges

2. Knee and Joint Pain

Causes: Knee and joint pain often flares up on long descents due to repeated impact and strain. Over time, this pressure can lead to inflammation or discomfort, especially if muscles around the joints aren’t well-conditioned.
Preventions: Strengthen the knee’s surrounding muscles through regular training and targeted exercises. Practise good down-hill walking techniques, including using walking poles to help support you. You can also use Kinesiology Tape to help support your joints, watch SportTape’s videos here. Ibuprofen gel and painkillers are handy to carry to reduce pain.
Team Tips: A helpful trick is to lead with your weaker leg on descents. It might feel counterintuitive, but it means your stronger knee does the work of lowering and absorbing the impact. – Penny Knight, Charity Challenge Leader

Trekker using walking poles on his charity a challenge to help his knees and joints - a common complaint and injury on challenges

3. Back and Shoulder Strain

Causes: Often a result of carrying a heavy or poorly fitted daypack over long distances. Uneven weight distribution, incorrect strap adjustment or overpacking can put extra stress on your muscles and posture.
Preventions: Pack smartly! Read your Kit List thoroughly, as well as our blog on where to start with daypacks. Choose a well-fitted daypack with padded shoulder and hip straps, and adjust them so most of the weight sits on your hips (you’ll feel the difference!). Pack light and distribute the weight evenly.
Team Tips: Try on before you buy or borrow. Having the waist and chest straps at the correct height will make a massive difference to your comfort on the challenge. – Simon Albert, Charity Challenge Co-Founder and Director

charity challenge trekkers with their daypacks

4. Fatigue and Breathlessness

Causes: Tiredness and shortness of breath are common on long treks and steep ascents. Trekking at high altitudes can increase this effect, as the oxygen levels are lower, meaning that the body is working harder, even at rest.
Preventions: Maintain a steady walking pace, take regular breaks and stay hydrated. Eat small, frequent snacks to fuel your energy and practice deep, rhythmic breathing – especially during climbs. If your trek involves high altitude, consider training beforehand and read our Altitude Advice guide from our expert partner, The Altitude Centre.
Team Tips: Failing to eat properly during a challenge can hinder performance. Whilst helpful for a boost, don’t rely solely on energy gels and protein bars and neglect regular food, such a full, balanced lunch. This could result in significant calorie deficits, leading to increased fatigue and reduced performance. – Phil Nelson, Charity Challenge Leader

trekker staying fuelled an hydrated with food and water

5. Sunburn

Causes: Sunburn is a common issue on charity challenges, especially ones at high altitudes, on water, snow or in hot, exposed climates – where UV rays are stronger and prolonged exposure is likely. However, it’s easy to underestimate the risk of sunburn in the UK, but it should be taken just as seriously.
Preventions: Apply minimum SPF 30, sweat-resistant sun cream regularly, wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses and cover exposed skin with breathable, long-sleeved clothing.
Team Tips: An SPF 30+ lip balm or sun cream stick protects your lips and other smaller areas at risk, such as your scalp/parting, backs of your hands and tops of your ears. – Laura O’Connor, Marketing Assistant

Trekker wearing sun hat on Dalai lama Himalayan trek

6. Dehydration, Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke

Causes: Prolonged physical activity in hot or humid conditions, especially without adequate fluid intake, fuel or rest. Wearing heavy clothing, a lack of shade and poor pacing can also contribute.
Preventions: Stay well-hydrated throughout the day, sipping regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Adding electrolytes to your water can boost hydration. Pace yourself and take regular breaks in shaded areas (this is also a chance to reapply sun cream), and wear lightweight, breathable clothing.
Team Tips: Applying a wet item of clothing to the skin can help cool you down. Our Charity Challenge neck buffs are perfect for this! – Jenn Payne, Head of Sales and Marketing

Sahara Desert Trekkers resting under shade to reduce trekking fatigue and heat exhaustion

7. Insect Bites

Causes: Insect bites can occur on both UK and overseas challenges, particularly in warm, humid environments or areas near standing water. Mosquitoes, midges and ticks are common culprits depending on location and season.
Preventions: Use insect repellent containing DEET and reapply as needed. Wear long sleeves and trousers, especially in the evening or near dense vegetation. In tick-prone areas, check your skin regularly and remove ticks promptly with proper tools – your local guide will be able to help. For overseas travel, always check if antimalarial precautions are needed.
Team Tips: To soothe insect bites on a challenge, clean the area, apply an anti-itch cream or antihistamine, avoid scratching and if possible, apply a cool compress. – Laura O’Connor, Marketing Assistant

trekker wearing long sleeves in the jungle to prevent insect bites

8. Mental Fatigue and Low Motivation

Causes: Emotional strain is common, particularly on longer challenges. Overseas trips can intensify this due to unfamiliar environments, more basic facilities and lower-quality rest.
Prevention: Preparing mentally and physically ahead of your challenge will set you up for success. Knowing you’ve trained well can strengthen your mindset, even when it gets tough. Practise positive self-talk, and remind yourself why you signed up. At the end of each day, don’t hesitate to take a quiet moment for yourself if needed. Equally, connecting with your fellow participant’s and sharing your stories is a great way to boost morale and help you feel grounded.
Team Tips: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed, your team and leaders are there to help you! – Tilly Sawyer, Account Manager

charity challengers celebrating with a hug

Prep For Success

Knowledge is power! Your Participant Account Area is the starting point of success and holds a wealth of information. From here, you can study your challenge details, follow our pre-challenge training advice, find our blogs, check your kit list and much more.

Remember, our challenges are leader-led. Our expert leaders are there to support you both physically and mentally. They’re experienced, friendly and first-aid trained – ready to make safety-first decisions for you and your group.

It’s normal to experience some of these common injuries and complaints on challenges. Prepare well, listen to your body, and communicate early to keep small issues from becoming bigger problems. The finish line awaits!

Challenges, Latest News

SAHARA DESERT TREK: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE

July 21, 2025

The Sahara Desert Trek is a challenging walking expedition, journeying through Morocco’s forbidding landscape, punctuated by peaks, gorges, dunes and oases. To help you prepare and get the best out of this once-in-a-lifetime challenge, we’ve pulled together an essential guide full of need-to-know tips and tricks, including real advice from our experienced team…

What is the Sahara Desert Trek?

Rediscover true adventure in the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert! This five-day trek covers 100km, passing through valleys, gorges, plateaus, sand dunes and oases. At night, sleep under Africa’s star strewn skies and enjoy traditional Berber hospitality. This challenging trek tests your endurance with difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions, whilst offering a multitude of moments of awe and wonder, as you take in the majestic Moroccan landscape with fellow challengers.

Highlights include:

Experience the captivating landscapes, people and wildlife of the famous Sahara Desert.

Climb Jebel Lamrakeb for incredible views of the region.

Camp beneath Africa’s vast, star-filled skies, immersed in the stillness of the desert and the charm of Berber tradition.

What will I achieve?

This 8-day challenge involves 5 continuous trekking days and is graded as ‘challenging’, meaning a good level of fitness, adventurous spirit and training is required. Here are some of key factors you’ll push through and achieve upon completion:

Trekking between 17-27 km per day across the vast Sahara Desert.

Travelling a total distance of 100 kms over 5 days.

Punishing your feet over hard, rocky terrain and hot sand.

Facing exhausting temperatures during the day and cold at nighttime – sleeping in campsites with basic facilities.

To top it all off, you will be tackling this in aid of a charity of your choice – making each step under the sun and through the sand all the more worthwhile.

Challengers trekking across the rocky and sandy sahara desert with charity challenge

I’m thinking of booking, what do I need to know?

For a quick overview of what to expect from this challenge, we’ve pulled together some need-to-know essentials below – including some top tips straight from our experienced team of leaders! For further information please visit our Sahara Desert Trek webpage, which covers all information and details thoroughly.

1. Kit Up and Stay Hydrated

The Sahara Desert Trek covers varied challenging terrain, weather and conditions that will take you far outside your usual comfort zone, so it’s important to be as prepared as possible when it comes to your kit! For full details, visit the challenge webpage and download the detailed Kit List, which compiles everything from the essential to the optional.

Whilst you should take a backpack/duffle bag weighing up to 20kg on the flight over, this will be transported by a vehicle on your challenge. So, on your trekking days you are only required to carry a light daypack with essentials. We have a brilliant blog all about choosing your daypack – but the key is to get (and wear in) a quality, well-fitted daypack, with hydration compatibility and good back ventilation for staying cool and dry!

As a Charity Challenge participant, you gain access to member-exclusive benefits and/or discounts on a variety of quality outdoor clothing and equipment specialists – find more information here.

Top Tips:

Walking poles are recommended, as a preventative measure, as well as for anyone with any pre-existing leg/knee injuries or niggles. Please make sure that you practice using them during your training before your challenge! – Richard Simpkin, Charity Challenge Leader

You should carry at least 3 litres of water with you while trekking to stay hydrated. I recommend carrying a 1 litre bladder and the rest of your water in bottles. You can transfer the water from the bottle/s to the bladder – and if the bladder bursts, this means you can still carry water. To avoid burst water bladders, don’t overfill them. Again, practice using your bladder whilst training (and be mindful of keeping the mouthpiece free of dirt/germs). – Richard Simpkin, Charity Challenge Leader

You will sweat a lot on this challenge, so staying hydrated is vital! Having a water bottle (as well as a bladder) means you can mix water with electrolytes for added hydration easily, whilst avoiding the need to clean residue from your water bladder. – Jenn Payne, Head of Sales and Marketing

Challengers with daypacks and walking poles on the sahara desert trek with charity challenge

2. Looking After Your Feet in the Desert

The terrain on this challenge is tough and changing, with some days being hard, rocky and flat – and with others taking on rolling sand dunes, which can be very hot and hard going on your feet. At Charity Challenge, we always highlight the importance of good foot-care preparation before and during your trek – to prevent issues occurring and to keep you walking towards the finish line!

Check out our thorough blog on Taking Care of Your Feet on Challenges for all the best advice from our team.

Top Tips:

Desert treks, possibly more than any other, are notoriously unforgiving on unprepared feet. You may feel you already have the comfiest possible boots for your trek – but even so, trekking in heat and soft sand can lead to blisters surprisingly quickly! Bring plenty of Kinesiology or Zinc-Oxide tape such as SportTape and start every day with fully taped up feet to help prevent blisters. – Ian Morton, Charity Challenge Leader

When sand gets in your boots or socks, it acts like sandpaper against your skin and can worsen blisters. Try to keep it out the best you can, by emptying your boots/socks regularly, wearing walking boots that cover your ankle and tucking your trousers into your socks. – Richard Simpkin, Charity Challenge Leader

Sand gaiters are a good recommendation – blisters were abundant in our group due to sand in shoes and the extreme heat. Also bring lots of plasters and blister pads! – Alexis Watt, Participant on the Sahara Desert Trek in 2023

Talc powder (included in the Kit List as an essential) has a multitude of uses, including helping keep skin dry by absorbing moisture and reducing friction! – Charity Challenge Team

3. Prepare for Varied Weather

Despite the common association with the Sahara Desert with blistering heat, it may surprise some that the nighttime can reach low, chilly temperatures. So, it’s important to expect a variety of conditions and pack smart. Keep reading for a few more not-so-obvious tips from members of our team who’ve conquered this trek before…

Top Tips:

For daytime sun protection, bring sun cream and an SPF lip balm (minimum factor 30 with UV and UVB protection), a wide brim hat and lightweight, moisture-wicking long-sleeved shirts/t-shirts to protect yourself from the harsh midday rays. – Team Charity Challenge

Never underestimate the value of a lightweight foldable trekking umbrella on a desert trip to provide immediate shade – either while trekking, or when taking a break. – Ian Morton, Charity Challenge Leader

From October to May (when we offer treks), there can be a difference of 20°C in the desert between day and night, with highs of approximately 25-35°C and lows of 2-7°C. To keep warm at night whilst camping, lots of light layers are key! A 3-4 season sleeping bag is also a must-have. – Team Charity Challenge

There are no charging facilities in the desert but plenty of photographic opportunities with magical sunsets and stunning sand dunes, so make sure you take a portable battery charger. Even better, if you can get a solar one, you can make sure it charges your phone, torch and any other essential kit, and stays charged itself! – Simon Albert, Charity Challenge Co-Founder and Director

charity challenge participant taking a sunset photos in the sahara, Morocco

To conclude…start prepping!

If you are now seriously considering taking on the Sahara Desert Trek, we strongly recommend heading over to our website to read through our full Itinerary, Costs, Kit List and extensive Essential Information tabs. Our blog also hosts a wealth of resources to help prepare you for your fundraising challenge.

You’ll find everything you need to know here in detail, from timings, locations, food and drink, difficulty level breakdowns, training advice, group safety, equipment and much, much more (including answers to those all-important ‘what if?’ questions).

Smiling group of charity challenge participants at sunset in the desert

Why should I book the Sahara Desert Trek with Charity Challenge?

Over the years Charity Challenge has built up a wealth of experience that has enabled us to create the best Sahara Desert Trek itinerary that is geared towards providing everyone with the very best experience and opportunity to complete the challenge safely, whilst taking in all that Morocco’s marvellous Sahara Desert landscape has to offer.

Since 1999, we have specialised in operating challenges for charity fundraisers. We partner with 1000’s of UK and Irish charities already – and our team is happy to reach out to a charity of your choice to make your dream fundraising challenge happen. (Or, if you don’t fancy fundraising, the good news is you can simply self-fund and join us anyway!).

High quality route design that incorporates varied landscapes, wildlife and stunning views.

This is a fully supported walking challenge, including; an English speaking first aid-trained challenge leader and full local support team, a doctor, a support vehicle, clean drinking water and meals throughout your challenge.

A team that are fully qualified, highly experienced, knowledgeable and fun. They will do everything to help you complete the challenge and have a great time doing it!

the evening sky and stars on the sahara desert trek

Remember, the Sahara Desert Trek is graded as a ‘challenging’ trek. With the right preparation, this life-changing challenge is incredibly rewarding, memorable and impressive to complete – making it an excellent choice for an Overseas charity challenge!

BOOK YOUR SAHARA DESERT TREK HERE

Inspiration, Latest News

BRITISH TRAVEL AWARDS 2025

July 7, 2025

'Best Travel Company for Adventure Holidays' in the 2025 British Travel Awards.

We’re thrilled to announce Charity Challenge has been nominated for ‘Best Travel Company for Adventure Holidays‘ in the 2025 British Travel Awards.

The British Travel Awards (BTAs) are the UK’s largest and most prestigious consumer-voted travel industry awards, celebrating excellence across travel brands—from airlines and tour operators to hotel chains and holiday types. Voted for by the public, they spotlight the standout companies shaping modern travel

Simon and the CC team are deeply honored to be shortlisted and would love your support. Your vote means the world to us.

Vote in the British Travel Awards for your chance to win some incredible holiday prizes!

VOTE HERE

Challenges, Latest News

THAMES FOOTPATH CHALLENGE: AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE

June 24, 2025

The Thames Footpath Challenge is a tough walking challenge, journeying through iconic London sights, from peaceful greenery to historical buildings. We’ve pulled together an essential guide to help you get the best out of your challenge experience, including super-helpful top tips from team Charity Challenge…

Richmond bridge across the thames river on the thames footpath challenge

What is the Thames Footpath Challenge?

Challenge yourself to an epic 42km journey through London, following the Thames Footpath. This is a tough 1 day challenge that will see you walking a marathon-distance from Hampton Court to Millennium Bridge. Following the Thames Footpath allows you to see the changing landscape, from leafy areas of west London through to the bustling city sights further in the east.