James Calder is among the team of five who are currently on The Nasir, Bekri, Tayi, and Lawrence Tribute Trek, retracing the epic 1,100-kilometre journey through the Hejaz Mountains and around the Nefud Desert.
The expedition, in partnership with Defender, Kashaf, Source (HR), Constantin Weisz, and Iqarus, pays tribute to the legendary 1917 crossing by T.E. Lawrence, Sherif Nasir, Auda Abu Tayi, and Nesib el Bekri, while raising vital funds for the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund (SFCBF).
James among the group of five embarking on the trek (Image: Defender)
Entirely funded by public donations, the Benevolent Fund helps veterans rebuild their lives after illness, injury, or other challenges. Every contribution directly impacts the lives of veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.
James said: “The main reason for taking part in this trek is to promote awareness and raise funds for the Special Forces Club Benevolent Fund.
“In my civilian role as a doctor I have seen first hand how much benefit this charity provides by assisting former members and families of the UK and allied Special Forces and Special Intelligence community who have fallen on hard times, ill health or bereavement.
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“The second reason is to honour the bravery and guile of Lawrence and the Arab leaders who undertook this incredible journey and initiated special forces operations under such harsh and rugged conditions.
“To our knowledge this has never been retraced.”
The trek will span 25 days, with the team covering 50 kilometres daily by camel.
Starting in Al Wajh, Saudi Arabia, the route passes through the Well of Dathna and Bada before ascending the Hejaz Mountains, skirting the vast Nefud Desert, and traversing Fajer and the Meegowa Oasis.
James training for the mission (Image: James Calder) The five riders will then enter Wadi Sirhan, cross into Jordan, and head for the Bayir Fort and Ma’an. From there, they will descend through the Hejaz into Wadi Rum, ultimately concluding at Aqaba Fort in Jordan.
James added: “I am certainly daunted as the 1,100km trek will cover remote desert and high mountains with temperature variations of sub-zero to 34 degrees and after eight days training last month I’m not sure that I have yet mastered driving a camel although we have come to a mutual understanding with each other!”
A former Special Forces medic from Iqarus will join the team, offering expert care tailored to the unique challenges of such a demanding expedition. Veterinary and safety teams will accompany the riders, ensuring the health and well-being of the 10 camels.
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