Fundraiser reveals epic weight loss ahead of Sahara Trek challenge

4th March 2025

You would think that trekking the world’s hottest desert for Acorns Children’s Hospice was enough of a feat for Steven Duffield. But this is just the tip of the iceberg for the Worcestershire resident, who not only lost 17 stone in less than a year, but is also hiking a staggering 1,880 miles to raise even more money for the charity.

The inspiration behind his epic journey is his beloved niece, Meggie, who relies on the critical support of Acorns for the Three Counties for rehabilitative respite care and family services.

Steven, who moved to Kidderminster nearly three years ago, made the decision to change his life two years ago. Once nearly 30 stone, what started as a commitment to improving his health, became a remarkable 17 stone weight loss.

He explained: “When I started walking, it was just six miles in the first month – and that was more than enough for me at the time. But I stuck at it, walking more and more and I’m now up to 25 miles a day. As the weight fell off, my mental health improved drastically too. I slowly began to feel like myself again.

“My dad, who we lost to dementia five years ago, was always fond of walking – so walking makes me feel close to him too in many ways, and to appreciate life.”

Now, Steven is channelling his passion for walking and the outdoors to give back. Following a trip to Tunisia, where he first experienced the beauty of the Sahara Desert, Steven eagerly embraced the idea of trekking the Sahara. It was a slip of the tongue from his friend that sparked an even bigger idea.

Steven said: “A friend of mine thought I was actually walking all the way from Kidderminster to the Sahara! We had a good laugh when I explained the mix-up, but the idea stuck with me – I couldn’t shake how incredible that challenge would be.

“Now, here I am. Whilst I’m not physically walking to the Sahara, I’m covering the exact same distance, and hoping to raise even more money for Acorns because of it.”

In a full circle moment for Steven, he’s covering this distance of 1,880 miles along the same local canals, nature reserves and trails where he first embarked on his remarkable weight loss journey, transforming both his physical health and mental wellbeing.

For Steven, this whole endeavour is deeply personal. His 11-year-old niece, Meggie, has a highly complex, rare and life limiting chromosome disorder known as Trisomy 9 mosaic syndrome. This means she requires permanent care, is non-verbal, unable to take solid food, has a compromised immune system and was born with several of her major organs twisted, fused and in the wrong place.

Steven explained: “Acorns has been a lifeline for my sister and her family. It’s about more than just Meggie – they care for the whole family, including her twin brother, through sibling groups and family fun days.”

“When Meggie stays overnight at the hospice, she not only gets to enjoy herself, but her mum and dad can also get some much-needed rest, knowing she’s in expert hands.”

Since the beginning of February, Steven has been walking up six hours every day carrying a 30lb backpack, aiming to cover all 1,880 miles before the Sahara trek in October – that’s over 72 marathons and more than 4.2 million steps. “It’s going to take a few pairs of trainers!”, he added.

Steven is also spreading awareness with his very own business cards explaining his challenge and the work Acorns does, complete with a QR code linking to his JustGiving page. He’s even reaching out to local businesses and planning a summer music festival to raise additional funds for the charity. His target is £4,000, though he hopes to surpass it.

“I’m doing everything I can because I understand firsthand what families like mine go through,” Steven said. “Living with Meggie, I see every day how poorly she is and the reality of having a child with a life limiting condition. I’ve watched her go in and out of hospital, never knowing one day to the next if she would make it.”

He added: “Whenever I’m out walking and my feet start to ache or the rain’s pouring down, I just think about Meggie and other children at Acorns. It’s a powerful reminder that any discomfort I feel is nothing compared to what they go through.”

As October approaches, Steven is determined to raise as much awareness and funds as possible for Acorns while honouring Meggie and other children like her. His journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of giving back.

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.

This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

To support Steven and make a donation, visit his JustGiving page. To find out more about how Acorns provides lifeline care and support for children and families like Meggie’s, visit www.acorns.org.uk