AN inspirational villager will be battling a week-long trek across the largest hot desert in the world... dressed as an iconic book character.

Alexander Baines, 27, has lived in Earls Colne since 2007 and has completed a range of walking challenges for various charities.

In 2022, he volunteered for "absolutely every fundraiser" held by Dementia UK, which led him to run the London Marathon dressed as Where’s Wally.

Since the marathon, Alexander has continued to wear his Wally costume for every fundraising event he partakes in – being recognised and encouraged by many families and children.

In June, he completed the UK three peak challenge with 23 hours, climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.

Alexander works as a technical engineer for electrical products provider Lewden and has a huge amount of support from his work colleagues, with the company financing the three peaks trip and matching the amount raised.

Now, with the support of his colleagues, this year Alexander has decided to raise money for Cancer Research UK with a multi-day trek across the Sahara Desert – in his Wally costume.

The challenge will consist of a 100km trek, going through peaks, gorges, dunes and the occasional oasis.

Alexander said: “The extreme weather conditions – scorching heat and freezing cold – will definitely add to the challenge.

“I’ll be walking 12-27km every day, through rocky terrain and hot sand with basic camping every night.”

After discussing with his peers, Alexander decided to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

“We all agreed on cancer research because it’s affected us all in our own ways,” he said.

“It’s the dreaded ‘C’ word, if it hasn’t affected you, it’s affected someone you know.

“I lost my grandmother in 2007, and I have a friend that’s battled cancer – people often want to take action when it affects them through wanting to help their loved ones but what’s wrong with saying let’s do it now?

“Although I don’t know anybody at the moment with cancer, I know there are people suffering so let’s do it now.”

The fundraiser will take place from November 2 to November 9, with Alexander walking alongside 20 other participants, all raising money for their own charity.

He added: “I’m looking forward to being able to look up and not see any light pollution or clouds – just me and the stars.

“I’m excited for that, as well as getting to know the other fundraisers.”

For more information, visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/baines