TWENTY-year-old Robert Dyde from Pembroke will swap the wet British weather for the scorching hot deserts of the Sahara this month to take part in a gruelling 100km trek to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Walking for seven hours each day and camping in the desert every night, Robert will encounter some of the most extreme and spectacular landscapes on earth during the nine-day trip. A mix of flat desert terrain, 5000m high wind blown sand dunes and the sweltering African heat will provide the ultimate challenge for the group of 60 trekkers.

"Being in the Sahara Desert will be an adventure I am unlikely to forget," said Robert. "It will be one of the toughest things I have ever done, but knowing I can make a difference and help people living with cancer makes all my efforts worth it.

"I am taking part in the trek because I thrive on such a challenge. I have completed the London Marathon twice for my local Macmillan Cancer Relief and they have been such a great source of inspiration and support over the years. I again plan to have all monies raised put towards my local office," said Robert.

In the UK, four in 10 people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime and over a million people are currently living with cancer. Macmillan is a UK charity providing expert care and practical and emotional support which is changing lives of people living with cancer today.

Money raised by Robert will be used to help fund specialist Macmillan nurses and doctors who deliver the best in cancer care, build vitally needed cancer care centres and give financial help to those who need it most.

The Sahara Hiking Challenge runs from March 13 - 21. Anyone interested in sponsoring Robert should call (01646) 684059 or 07980727051.