Andrea took part in the the 100km South Coast ultra challenge – walking and jogging from Eastbourne to Arundel to raise money for Children with Cancer UK.
“I usually do things for missing people charities but this year I decided to try and support somebody else,” Andrea said, before the challenge.
"On social media there’s always so many stories about children with cancer.
"I have done this challenge before but for missing people last year. That was one of three challenges I did last year but I haven’t really done as much this year.”
Andrea began the challenge in Eastbourne at 8.30am on Saturday (September 2).
A spokesperson for younglivesvscancer.org.uk said: “The South Downs National Park is a superb backdrop for 2,000 adventurers to take on a real challenge. An Eastbourne start, up Beachy Head, the magnificent Seven Sisters, and along the South Downs Way, with stunning views over the sea, to a Brighton half-way. Devil’s Dyke, and a few ups and downs lie ahead before historic Arundel comes into view after an amazing 100km journey.”
Andrea said: “My daughter and granddaughter are meeting me half way in Hove at some point in the afternoon, depending on the weather.
"I will continue through the night to Arundel. I am actually looking forward to it. People always say I must be mad but it gives me focus and motivation.
“As I’ve done it before I know what to expect. I know the bits I don’t like. There’s a horrible never ending bit through Brighton and you think you’re never going to get there. You try not to think about it and push through it.”
Speaking after the successful challenge, Andrea said: “I didn't find it easier but I managed to keep a steady pace this time whereas before I took time at the checkpoints. And this time I didn't, I just filled my flasks loo and grabbed a snack – I didn't even take my back pack off.
“When I got to Southease I did think ‘my goodness’, I feel like I’ve been going forever and I'm still only 2.5 miles in. The weather was good although a little too hot in the afternoon. So far I’ve raised almost £600.” Click here to donate to Andrea’s fundraiser.
Tuesday, March 7 marked exactly five years since Worthing mum-of-two Georgina Gharsallah vanished in broad daylight. CCTV footage showed Georgina – then aged 30 – leaving the Clifton Food and Wine shop in Clifton Road, Worthing, at 9.30am. She has not been seen since.
Five years on, mum Andrea remains committed to her desperate, painstaking search.
Andrea said there is still no news about Georgina, adding: “I’ve had people contact me privately with accounts but the police can’t corroborate it.”
1. Mother of Georgina, Andrea Gharsallah being supported by friends, local and family of Georgina Gharsallah, five year missing anniversary today Georgina Gharsallah was born in Brighton, Sussex in 1987. Her parents were Andrea and Gassem Gharsallah. Gassem was a Libyan who attended university in Brighton where he met Andrea who was English. The couple had four daughters of whom Georgina ('Gina') was the second eldest. Shortly after Georgina was born the family relocated to Libya where they lived until 1998. Gharsallah spoke Arabic.[4] After returning to the UK the family settled in Worthing where Andrea found employment in a local convent caring for elderly nuns. She became estranged from her husband and the couple divorced. By 2018 Gassem was managing director of a small food company based in Worthing. He later remarried. The four daughters including Georgina remained with their mother
Mother of Georgina, Andrea Gharsallah (left), was supported by family, friends and kind-hearted strangers on the fifth anniversary of her daughter's disappearance Photo: Eddie Mitchell
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Andrea Gharsallah took part in the the 100km South Coast ultra challenge – walking and jogging from Eastbourne to Arundel to raise money for Children with Cancer UK. Photo: Andrea Gharsallah
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Andrea has raised £600 so far Photo: Andrea Gharsallah