Denise preparing for a very personal 50k trek across the Sahara
A Wimbledon woman is preparing to trek 50km across the Sahara Desert in memory of her four-year-old nephew who died from a brain tumour.
Denise Sefton, a 49-year-old executive consultant, is taking on the extraordinary challenge to raise funds and awareness for Brain Tumour Research, a charity she supports as a trustee.
The four-day trek, beginning on March 28, will involve extreme heat, towering sand dunes, and long, strenuous days.
She is dedicating the effort to her nephew. Theo Howden, who died in September 2017, her stepsister Lynne, who was diagnosed and treated for a brain tumour in 2012, and her friend, Amy, who is currently being treated for multiple tumours.
Denise said: “It was horrific when Lynne was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2012. She lives in the USA and, fortunately, received treatment from one of the leading surgeons in Houston, Texas. I’m pleased to say she’s doing well, but sadly, that was only our first experience with a brain tumour.
“My nephew Theo was a wonderful, bubbly boy who adored Power Rangers and dinosaurs. At just two years old, he started feeling unwell, tired and sick in the mornings.
“His parents knew something wasn’t right. Initially, doctors dismissed it as a virus or common illness, but when symptoms persisted, they pushed for a second opinion. That’s when tests revealed his devastating diagnosis.”
Theo’s treatment included surgery and proton beam therapy, requiring him to be placed under general anaesthetic countless times due to his young age. Despite everything, he never complained and focused only on recovering so he could start nursery like other children.
Sadly, Theo died with his loving parents, Dan and Harriet, by his side. Theo’s older brother, Jack, is now applying to medical school, inspired by the care his brother received and determined to make a difference.
Denise is no stranger to physical challenges, previously running marathons and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. She will be joined on the trek by 15 others, each with close personal experiences of brain tumours among their family and friends.
Denise added: “Since becoming a trustee, I’ve been committed not just to supporting the charity with my time and expertise, but also through personal fundraising.
“What worries me most is the 10-hour bus journey because I get carsick, and the camping. No beds, no showers, no toilets, and all the little critters. It is way outside my comfort zone, but if it helps the cause, it will be worth it.”
Funds raised by the trek will help scientists working to advance the understanding of brain tumours, bringing us closer to improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
To support Denise’s Sahara Trek, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/denise-sefton-1710605859426
Pictured top: Denise with her nephew Theo (Picture: BTR)