The Saddle Sore Sisters, the intrepid Marie Curie Cancer Care fundraisers from Horsham in Sussex, have returned from their five-day horse ride across the Jordanian desert. The Paragon Software Systems sponsored horse riders have so far raised a total approaching £14,500 for the cancer care charity.
The Sisters – Mary Braddock and Caroline Ingham – took part in the Petra Horse Ride Challenge, an epic cross country trek across the Jordanian desert to Petra in April. Covering 150 km of hard packed tracks, sand and hills – the riders spent up to seven hours a day in the saddle. Neither had ridden such distances before on horseback and so this was a severe test of their riding and mental and physical abilities.
“The desert trek was demanding but it was well worth it, having smashed our charity pledge target by raising £14,500 so far, and we can continue to take donations for a further three months. People have been generous, with support coming from Paragon and other businesses, our families and friends, and the public. The money will help to care for terminally ill people in their own homes within Sussex. In addition to our financial and moral supporters, we are very grateful for local press and BBC Radio Sussex support in helping raise the profile of our venture,” says Caroline Ingham.
The Sisters were part of a group of 20 riders taking part in the desert adventure, jointly raising in the region of £65,000 for the charity. Riding native Arab horses, known for their spirited nature (and nothing like the tame steeds ridden by the riders back in the UK), the group was looked after by Bedouin guides throughout the journey.
“Mary and I put a lot of time and effort into training to ensure we were well prepared. However, it turned out to be more of a mental than physical challenge. The harsh environmental conditions meant we were riding in temperatures exceeding 40oC during the day with little shade, while at night, we endured sub zero temperatures. We even battled a sandstorm on the second day of the ride,” adds Caroline Ingham.
Details about the Saddle Sore Sisters’ fundraising events can be found on their Facebook page and donations can be made online at http://www.justgiving.com/SaddlesoresistersAKAMaryBraddockandCarolineIngha.
