A young Haverfordwest rugby player is due to begin the biggest challenge of his life tomorrow (Saturday) when he attempts to trek across the Sahara Desert.

Stephen Morse, of Rackhill Court, will jet out to Morocco on February 23rd, where he will trek more than 150 miles over five days in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Stephen, who plays for Haverfordwest RFC, will have to walk up to 35 miles per day in 30-degree heat – the distance from Haverfordwest to Carmarthen.

“Not many people, at 23 years old, can say: I walked part of the Sahara. Every day, you hear more and more about cancer, and so many of my friends and family have been affected by it in some way,” he said.

“The money that I will raise is all going towards new research, and if it can save a couple of lives, and give a family a bit of hope, then I will be happy.”

Stephen, who lost his mum Wendy to Legionnaires’ Disease four years ago, will undertake the trek as part of a group of about 50 people who have all signed up for the Tesco Sahara Expedition.

Stephen, who is studying for a sports coaching, development and fitness degree at Trinity College in Llanelli, Started training for the trek back in November by walking up to six miles a day with a weighted backpack.

He said: “Obviously, walking in the Sahara in February will be quite different to walking in Pembrokeshire in November. It will be a massive challenge, but I really can’t wait.”

To sponsor Stephen visit www.justgiving.co.uk/steph en-morse1, email s t e p h e n _ m o r s e _ 8 0 6 @ hotmail.com.