James - Events Manager for a National Charity

My name is James D, and I currently live in the small village of Rainford, between Wigan and St Helen’s. 

I'm happiest whilst knee deep in an event in a field somewhere and, at the age of 36, have combined my passion for charity, supporting the armed forces, and events, with the post of Events Manager for Walking With The Wounded. 

I love overseas treks and how participants challenge themselves to raise money for our vital work – my only regret is that I can't take my cocker spaniel out with me!

I did the Wadi Rum summit trek with a team from Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) in 2021. As the Event Manager, I had worked with the team to support their fundraising in advance of the trip, but I didn’t personally know them.

I wanted to take part as WWTW have a long history of doing challenging treks and expeditions to raise awareness and funds for our cause. This trek was undertaken by a hardy group of fundraisers who were keen to explore a stunning location, whilst challenging themselves to fundraise for wounded veterans. I wanted to join to be able to walk alongside some core supporters, who raised almost £27k for us, in some of the most amazing scenery in the world.

To use a very cliched phrase that is nonetheless still true, it was the experience of a lifetime. Jordan holds a special place in my heart, for so many personal reasons and I was delighted to have the opportunity to go back. The Wadi Rum has some of the most evocative scenery on the planet, being used for films like the Martian. It is harsh, unyielding and stunningly beautiful all at once. The 100km trek is no walk in the park, particularly with the depth of the sand and the heat – but what a place to challenge yourself. This trek is and will always be, one of the highlights of my career.

The best thing was sitting on a rocky outcrop as the sun went down, with not a soul in sight and only the desert before and behind me. It was a true highlight.

I found it challenging. Oh my goodness - the sand! Walking on sand is difficult at the best of times and in the Wadi Rum this is quite deep.  The trick is to walk lightly, find rock wherever you can, and enjoy the view – it will help weary legs!

Do I have any top tips for other trekkers? Wear the right gear. Its always worth investing in the right kit, a light pair of trousers, technical t-shirt and a good, broken in pair of walking boots. There’s nothing worse than being uncomfortable on a trek and wishing you’d spent just a bit more time on getting the right kit. I’d also say treat it as an exploration and remember to stop and enjoy yourself – you won't see that kind of scenery every day.