04-08-2025
What Bolton man is facing as he treks 100km trek across Sahara Desert
A local man is planning a gruelling trek across the Sahara Desert to raise money for a good cause.
Colm Allsop, 25, from Little Lever, will be embarking on the 100km walk to raise money for Crisis UK, a charity which helps homeless people.
He said that on average a homeless person can walk between 20 and 32km every day.
Colm, who is a customer journey manager at Lloyds Bank, said: "Homelessness affects more people than many realise - it's not just people on the streets - it can be people in temporary accommodation or couch surfing.
"Especially now with the cost-of-living crisis and the price of rent.
"My mum works in social housing so she sees first hand many of the issues we're facing.
"I work in Manchester a couple of times a week and going there, and even walking through Bolton town centre, you see the amount of homeless people on the streets."
Aiming for a goal of £4k, Colm hopes the money will be able to fund Crisis' Skylight Centres - which provide vital services for the homeless.
Colm Allsop (Image: Colm Allsop) He said: "They help with things such as education and mental health support, as well as housing, and help people to not just survive - but thrive."
Colm will set off on November 22 to Morocco where the four-and-a-half day trek will take place.
He said: "I've heard some really good things about the food and one of the locals will be guiding us through.
"I know one of the guys who's done this before and he said that the food he cooks in the middle of the desert is fantastic."
Colm said he's a runner but just preparing for the walk will be a challenge in itself.
He said: "A lot of training goes into it - imagine the heat for one - walking through the sand, and all the dunes.
"We'll be camping out in the desert in the night, with snakes, bugs and all the things you don't want to find.
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"It will be about making sure to keep yourself hydrated and avoiding burns from the sun.
"I've a couple of runs at the end of this year - the Manchester half-marathon in October and then the Rome half-marathon a week after.
"Preparing for the heat is part of the reason I signed up for Rome - my plan is if I'm fit enough for that I'll be fit enough for the Sahara."
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Colm said he's holding other events to try and reach his goal - including a comedy night at Dunscar Conservative Club.
The night will star Bolton comedian Ben Lawes and two other acts, as well as a raffle.
It will be held on Friday, August 15, with entry set at £15 per person, and tickets can be bought by contacting Colm on 07377622935.
