Island survival challenge for support worker in aid of St John's

A support worker is to take on a survival challenge fundraiser for St John's Hospice.
Melanie LambertMelanie Lambert
Melanie Lambert

Melanie Lambert is to take part in the three-day Endurance Island Challenge for the Sue Ryder charity in tribute to her step-mum, Tracey, who died aged 43 from lung cancer.

Melanie can only take five items and will be on the rugged island for 48 hours, from July 15.

Her step-mum, Tracey, died in April this year, having been diagnosed just 12 weeks earlier.

Mel, 25, said: “My step-mum wanted to go to the hospice for her last few days but her condition deteriorated and she did not make it.”

A support worker for young adults with autism, Mel said she has started to prepare for the challenge by working with a personal trainer and trying to fit as much training in before the big day.

The challenge starts with a boat ride where participants will be dropped off onto a pebbled beach - location to be revealed - and battle the elements to survive until they are rescued 48 hours later.

Melanie, from Great Denham, said: “I am really excited to be taking part in this challenge but nervous as well. It’s really important for me to support St John’s Hospice, not only because my mum works there but also to help give something back to all the staff who do such an incredible job.

“I am really struggling to decide what I will take as one of my five items, but certainly coffee will be one of them. I want to make my family proud and raise lots of money in aid of my step-mum, Tracey.”

Participants will receive guidance from ex-Royal Marine Commandos, on survival needs such as shelter, fire and food before darkness.

Anyone who wants to support Melanie can do so via her Justgiving giving page at:

www.justgiving.com/melanie-lambert1

Endurance Island dates are July 15-17 and August 19-21. Visit www.sueryder.org/enduranceisland