MORE than £6,000 has been raised for charity thanks to the incredible efforts of a Scottish farmer who has driven all the way to the Sahara Desert.

Hugh Chamberlain, Farm Manager at Atholl Estates, set out in September to honour his late father-in-law by driving 5,000 miles from his Scottish farm to the Sahara Desert.

Hugh’s father-in-law Tony Rawlings died at Eden Valley Hospice in Carlisle due to cancer and had always dreamed of making the journey himself in his cherished 1993 Land Rover Defender 300tdi.

Tony modified the Land Rover for this same journey as a welcome distraction from his treatments. Hugh decided to fulfill Tony’s dream while raising funds for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Charity and agricultural charity, RSABI.

Hugh, accompanied by friend Dave Hill, who he met at agricultural college, set off from Eden Valley Hospice on September 12 on their three-week journey.

He said: “In honour of Tony’s legacy, we are embarking on this expedition to prove that even amidst loss, dreams can endure, and compassion can ignite change.

The journey was not an easy one and the pair had to overcome various mechanical problems, while navigating flash floods and severe terrain.

Despite the tough journey, Hugh and Dave arrived in the Sahara in Tony’s beloved Land Rover. They were able to bring back some Sahara sand to be scattered on Tony’s grave to fulfill his dream.

Their trusty Land Rover took them most of the way, although the camels were helpful tooTheir trusty Land Rover took them most of the way, although the camels were helpful too (Image: Supplied)

Hugh and Dave returned to the UK and stopped off at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw on their way back north. Hugh kindly presented some of the sand to the hospice for the children to play with.

At the time of writing, £6,433 has been raised for the two chosen charities, both of whom will hugely benefit from the money raised.

Jenny Wilson, Director of Clinical Services at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, said, “The care provided at the hospice is only possible thanks to the generosity of people like Hugh, and all those who support him. Hugh’s fantastic achievement will provide many more local families with vital care and support to help them navigate through the most difficult of times. Thank you!”

You can donate here.