A team of 10 adventurers have returned to the Island from Lapland last week after completing a 250km Arctic expedition which raised more than ?10,000 for The Children’s Centre.
It began in Tromso, Norway, as teams of huskies pulled them and their sleds across Lapland, over the border from Norway into Sweden, and through spectacular Arctic scenery.
One of the team - Microgaming Accountant Kirsty Hanks, 33, of Saddlestone - said the trip was one of the most challenging experiences of her life, but also one of the most rewarding. She had never even been skiing before she signed up for the Arctic Adventure, but made it all the way to the finish at the world famous Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi.
Kirsty said: “It was really hard work, every day from the moment we woke up to the moment we went to sleep there was something to do and it was physically demanding. But the whole experience was absolutely amazing. There was a real sense of achievement when, on the last day, we saw the Ice Hotel for the first time and realised that we would complete the challenge. But the best thing about the trip were the people in the team. We developed a real team spirit and everyone helped each other to get through each day.”
Kirsty, like all of the team, did regular fitness training to prepare for the challenge and received help and advice from The Children’s Centre to make sure she was ready for the trip.
Mark Eastham, Fundraising Co-ordinator for The Children’s Centre, said:
“The team did incredibly well. It was a demanding challenge but they all came back with a genuine and deserved sense of achievement and memories that will last a lifetime. We would like to thank all of the team - and those who have supported their training and fundraising efforts - for their hard work. The funds raised are greatly appreciated and will go to support our charitable projects across the Island.”
This is the fourth year that The Children’s Centre has organised overseas adventure challenges - but the first time that the Island’s leading charity for families and children has run a trip to Lapland. There are still places available on the next adventure challenge, a walk along the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in November. For details go to www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/adventure-events/
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