VA’s Fundraisers: (from left) Oliver Tillard and Henry Haselock
Oliver Tillard and Henry Haselock are to cross Kenya’s Chalbi desert on foot to support Veterans Aid and Tusk. It will be a world first in support of charity.
Oliver, 28, a Scots Guards Officer from Sussex and Henry, 27, a media marketer from London, will be attempting a trek across the Chalbi Desert, Northern Kenya, with no support team on 29th August 2015. The route, that will cover 160 miles and take between 8-10 days, will take the two men over rocky terrain, salt flats and immense sand dunes in temperatures that reach 40’C.
Henry and Olli’s love for the outdoors and adventure has seen them carry out expeditions across America, Mongolia and Morocco. Their Chalbi Desert crossing, however, is their toughest project so far: “We cannot wait to have the opportunity to attempt a world first and push the boundaries of adventure” says Olli, “this is without a doubt our most difficult challenge so far and we hope to raise a substantial amount for our chosen charities”.
The funds will be divided between two charities; Tusk, a small organisation which helps fund conservation, community projects and education programmes across Africa. The other is Veterans Aid, an organisation that works on the front line addressing homelessness, addiction and helping veterans that have fallen on hard times.
To combat the heat each of the guys will need to have a small trailer to carry the water (80kg)
“Raising money for Tusk will allow us to give back to a country that provides the backdrop to our expedition”, Henry says. Olli adds, “Veterans Aid is an unsung hero of the military community. Being in the military myself makes what they do only more poignant.”
It is not the first time Ollie has undertaken a challenge for VA – in 2012 he cycled more than 3,000 miles across North America and raised nearly £3,000 for the charity (For more details please click HERE). Olli says “I chose Veterans Aid again as it is clear that this charity is forefront of dealing with veterans in need. Having met everyone in the office a while back and seeing where the money goes I really felt like it was a fantastic organisation.”
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: For interviews or image requests with Olli and Henry please email them on otillard@yahoo.com. Whether you’re a sponsor, someone interested in expeditions and desert travel or wanting to support an exciting venture we would love to hear from you. They are also easily contactable on 07737332879.
Henry and Oliver will be appearing on LondonLive TV on Tuesday the 25th August at 9:30am breakfast show, to talk about the Chalbi crossing. Tune in if you can.
Crossing the Chalbi Expedition is set to start on the 29th August 2015 and the JustGiving page has already been set up. To donate please follow the link https://www.justgiving.com/chalbiveteransaid/
