As I reflect on the most incredible, challenging and emotional year, I want to take a moment to say a truly heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me on my journey to the Sahara

On 10th October, I set off to take on the challenge of trekking 100km across the Moroccan Sahara in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. In the early hours of Thursday 15th October, after days of walking through the desert, pushing through exhaustion, pain, tears and moments when I wondered how on earth I was going to keep going, we finally completed our adventure.

It was so much harder than I ever imagined, but also one of the most incredible and life-changing experiences I have ever had. Something I will carry with me forever.

But this journey was never just about me. It was about my wonderful mum, Sue, and every family living with the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s. It was about raising awareness, raising vital funds, and doing something positive for a cause that is so incredibly close to my heart.

Over the last year, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of so many people. To everyone who donated, shared my fundraising posts, sent messages of encouragement, asked how my training was going, supported our fundraising events, bought raffle tickets, baked cakes, or simply took the time to wish me luck — thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Every message lifted me. Every donation motivated me. Every word of encouragement reminded me why I was doing this, especially on the days when training felt impossible and the challenge ahead seemed overwhelming.

I have felt so incredibly supported, not just by my family and friends, but by our wonderful salon guests, colleagues, followers and the wider community. It has been truly humbling to see so many people get behind this challenge and help me turn something so personal into something that can make a difference.

I set out to challenge myself physically and mentally, but I have gained so much more than I ever expected. I have made memories for life, met some amazing people, discovered a strength I didn’t know I had, and been reminded just how powerful kindness and community can be.

Most importantly, I hope that together we have helped shine a little more light on Alzheimer’s and the families who face its challenges every single day.

As a team, we’ve already achieved an absolutely incredible, record-breaking fundraising total of £190,000! But we’re so close to another huge milestone, and we’d love to see if we can reach an amazing £200,000! Every single donation, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to making an even greater difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s. If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet and would like to support this incredible cause, you can do so via the link below, which will take you straight to my fundraising page.

If you’ve already donated, please know that your kindness and generosity have made such a difference, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had your support on this journey.

Together, we really can make a difference. Let’s see if we can reach that incredible £200,000 milestone! 💙💛

https://dasaharatrekoct26.enthuse.com/pf/ally-roberts

This may have been my trek, but it never felt like a journey I was taking alone.

With so much love and gratitude 🙏

Ally