Tameside man completes gruelling 100km Sahara Desert trek for charity

A comedian from Ashton-under-Lyne has completed a once-in-a-lifetime challenge after trekking 100 kilometres across the Sahara Desert to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Amit Mistry, 32, took part in the gruelling four-and-a-half-day trek in November alongside 89 colleagues, braving extreme temperatures in the world’s largest hot desert to support Crisis UK, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness.

The challenge, described as a “signature trek,” saw hundreds of applicants compete for a limited number of places. Amit, who also works as a proposition manager, successfully secured a spot and flew out on November 21.

“It was a 100-kilometre trek across the Sahara,” Amit explained. “My workplace organise a signature challenge each year and I applied, not really knowing what to expect. Out of hundreds of people who applied, I was lucky enough to get a place.”

During the trek, temperatures soared to around 28–29°C during the day before plunging to just two or three degrees at night, meaning participants had to prepare for all conditions.

“It was roasting in the daytime, but absolutely freezing at night,” he said. “You’d be wearing three or four layers once the sun went down.”

For Amit, the motivation behind the challenge was deeply personal. As a Mancunian, he has seen first-hand the growing issue of homelessness in the city.

“Homelessness is something that’s really close to my heart,” he said. “There is a huge negative stigma around it, with people assuming it’s down to personal choices, but that’s not true. We’re all only a couple of pay cheques away from finding ourselves in a difficult situation. Everyone deserves a place to call home.”

Amit raised over £5,000 individually through his JustGiving page, while the group as a whole raised more than £500,000 for Crisis UK.

While the physical challenge was demanding, Amit said the emotional impact of the experience was what stayed with him most.

“Being away from home was the hardest part,” he said. “We had no internet or contact with family, and waking up at 2am every day in the cold really hit home. You realise there are thousands of people who experience that every night, without a tent or a bed, and not by choice. It made me realise just how lucky I am.”

He added that the team spirit among the group helped everyone get through the toughest moments.

“It was completely a team effort. There was so much positive energy and support. No one was left behind; we were all in it together.”

Amit’s JustGiving page remains open for anyone who would like to continue supporting Crisis UK. Donations can be made at: www.justgiving.com/page/amit-mistry-2