Arctic adventure awaits

Adventure-seeking fundraisers can join a third trek in aid of Beaumond House Community Hospice, Newark.

An information evening takes place at the London Road hospice on January 8 for anyone interested in The Arctic Experience, due to take place in February 2014.

Hospice fundraising manager Charley Price said after the success of two sponsored Sahara treks they had chosen a different challenge for their next major fundraiser.

The week-long expedition will involve skiing across the frozen wilderness of Northern Norway in temperatures as low as -20ºC.

The fundraisers will travel 120km, including skiing over frozen lakes, and will camp in tents.

The challenge starts with a flight to Alta, 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle. The first two days will be spent in chalet accommodation where the group will deal with safety matters and training issues, and have the chance to get to know each other.

They will set out from the hamlet of Stilla, travelling on skis and each towing a 35kg sledge. They will finish in the town of Karasjok.

Along the way they will have to ski over several frozen lakes, including Lesjav’ri, which is more than seven miles across.

Some of the trek will be by torchlight. On clear nights they can expect to see the Northern Lights.

They will travel for six hours daily and at night will work together to create a safe and comfortable camp.

Charley Price said: “By the end of the journey everyone will have learnt how to travel through an Arctic wilderness with a level of comfort that allows an appreciation of the environment.

“The main challenge could be the wind because in low temperatures it can be testing.”

The trek is being organised by Polar Challenge International and will be led by Mr Mike Thornewill, of Thurgarton.

Since 1998, Mr Thornewill has acquired 375 days skiing and camping experience in the Polar regions.

A veteran of 20 polar journeys, his CV includes a full-length expedition to the South Pole, and one to the North Pole.

Mr Thornewill will be on hand to answer questions and explain the trek in more detail at the information evening.

Anyone interested can attend. More information is available from the fundraising team at Beaumond House on 01636 610556.