George Thompson (SH 2012-2017) tells all about his upcoming trek across the Sahara Desert. 

In March 2026, I will embark on a challenging trek across the Sahara Desert. The first day I set foot in the desert will fall exactly ten years to the day since I was hospitalised with meningitis during my penultimate year at school. Along with seven others, I will trek across vast sand dunes, rocky plains, and ancient caravan routes.

As part of getting fit for this trek, I was lucky enough to get a job in British Columbia, Canada, as a tree slasher - a job that involved long days hiking up steep, uneven terrain with heavy equipment. The physically demanding work has been great for building up my strength and endurance; while working outdoors in the heat has helped me adapt to the kind of conditions I will face in the Sahara.

The trek begins on the 6th of March in Ouarzazate, which is known as the gateway to the Sahara. Each day, we plan to trek 15–20 km while carrying all our own gear and setting up camp beneath the expansive desert night sky. Evenings will be spent preparing meals over open fires under the stars.

Temperatures in the desert will be range from 25–35°C during the day to near freezing at night. I first visited Morocco on a school trip with King’s back in 2014, and those memories of its landscapes and culture have stayed with me, so returning to the Sahara now feels like a full circle moment.

I am taking on this challenge in support of Meningitis Now, a charity close to my heart that does incredible work helping individuals and families whose lives have been changed by meningitis. From funding life-saving research to providing emotional and practical support, their impact is far-reaching. This trek is my way of saying thank you as well as honouring the strength of those affected. I am hoping to reach my fundraising target by January, so that I can give Meningitis Now the maximum support possible ahead of the trek. Every donation brings me one step closer to making a real difference for those affected by the disease.

To find out more about George's trek, or to donate, please click here.