Côtes d’Armor. For sick children, they walked four days in the desert

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Four days of walking in the Moroccan desert of Merzougait changes a woman! The three Ploubezriennes, Stéphanie, Sandrine and Delphine, participated in the Trek’in Gazelles last November. Their team, Shanel, came 29th overall out of 142 teams. The aim of the game: bring back as many beacons as possible while covering the fewest kilometers, knowing that each beacon is worth €5. The total brought in more than €20,000 for Secours Populaire.

On December 6, they gathered all their support and donated €2,060 to Petits Cadeaux Pour Gros Bobos, the Trebeurdin association which works for sick children.

A physical and psychological ordeal

The first challenge on yourself is getting back into sport, getting up early on Sunday morning to go for a walk. About twenty kilometers per day over four days, radiating around the bivouac.

“It’s physically hard, especially on the feet! The mind must have taken over sometimes. The hardest part is the fear of being lost. Very often we have to get back on course. »

“Brittany will have brought us good luck,” she notes, noting: the team wore No. 22, wore the Gwen ha everywhere, and the hollows between two dunes depicted seagulls.

A family and community commitment

Getting involved with the PCPGB association boosted them first in their search for sponsors throughout the year, then in the events. The health manager of the pediatric department of the hospital, where Stéphanie works, supported them a lot.

“The smile of a sick child, who receives a small gift, touches the nursing staff. »

The regular messages from their loved ones were also very valuable to them. “We always wanted to give more to make our children proud,” comments Stéphanie. “Moreover, they have matured and grown through this challenge. »

Gain self-confidence

Arriving 20th in the first stage in the dunes, they gained confidence in themselves.

“We surprised ourselves by finding our bearings using the compass. A mountain that seems insurmountable can be overcome. »

And they did it, physically, since they climbed an 800 m wall of sand, under the leadership of Sandrine, while most of the teams went around it.

On the 3rd day, they had to face a sandstorm. The three “ordinary” women were even interviewed on Chérie FM.

Solidarity at all levels

The three teammates have complementary temperaments. “We supported each other,” emphasizes Stéphanie. Each took leadership at one time or another. “I learned on the trek what sisterhood means. » It is required, including between teams. For the most remote populations, they had brought hygiene and care equipment in their luggage. Furthermore, Stéphanie insists on the kindness of the organizers.

A clear message: dare!

“If we did it, everyone can do it. You have to dare to take the first step, to challenge yourself”

Many women request them. Sandrine will leave again in 2026. Pre-registrations for 2026 are open.

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