FOLOW THE ADVENTURE:

Gareth's Arctic Diaries

http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/ArcticSurvivalChallenge/

Hello

In 2006 we raised enough money to change over 200 lives.  In 2009 will you help change another 200?

Last time it was Everest, this time it's the Arctic Circle.  Can you imagine yourself surviving in a winter wilderness environment, miles from anywhere, with only the skills you've learnt to keep you fed and warm?

In February 2009 I am undertaking an Arctic Survival Challenge in Northern Sweden. The challenge will involve ice fishing,  fire lighting, finding water, building shelters and snow-holes. 

The culmination of the week is a two day survival phase where I put my skills to practice.

Can you help me, and WaterAid in this challenge?
 
Many thanks for your support.

Gareth


PS

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: WaterAid will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.


Frequently Asked Questions?

Why should I pay for your holiday?
Freezing temperatures, no heat, loads of strangers, if that's your idea of a holiday fair enough, however I'll also be paying for the trip myself, so that all sponsorship money is donated to WaterAid.

How cold will it get?
I've been told to expect temperatures up to -30c.  Hoewever given the current climate, who knows.

What was your last trip to Everest like?
A great experience, read more here: www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/EverestBaseCamp/



***MONTHLY UPDATES***

January 2009

* Happy New Year! *
* Stepped up the training,  undetaking longer walks and circuit training from the British Army's fitness programme. 
* Starting commuting from Poole to London each day with my new job.
* Paid the £1250 portion of my fees for the expedition and added amount to the amount raised offline (Target always included my portion of the costs)

* Added a video of Severn Sound's Arctic Challenge last year.  Now you can see what I'll be doing.

December 2008
* Purchased the last of my equipment,  Integral designs bivi, McMurdo parka, Helly Hansen Thermals, the list goes on.... check out my blog for the full list.

November 2008
* Created a travelblog to enable everyone to track my progress http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/ArcticSurvivalChallenge/



October 2008
* More book donations from my fantastic colleagues, a big thanks to Jennifer, Janet and Kate.
* Undertook WaterAid's public speaker programme
* Hosted a Halloween Fancy dress party for WaterAid.


September 2008
* FreeCycle used to increase non-fiction book donations.
* Start to get kit together for Arctic
* Receive details of training weekend in November.  Training will include dealing with hypothermia, frostbite; search and rescue techniques; trapping techniques; night navigation; food/fire/water/shelter
* Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water agree to sponsor me £100.
* WaterAid Halloween Party planned
* More book donations from Freecycle
* Plans underway for a fundraising Dog Night.
* Undertaking WaterAid public speaker training on the 16th October
* Receive £50 from a local government 'Dead account'
* Sophie bakes cakes for donations from the office. *Thanks Sophie*
* Jolene in timetabling, suggests we go raise funds from the Freshers outside she helps me raise £50.

August 2008
* Plans underway to get local schools to undertake a mufti-day for WaterAid
* Numbers of colleagues make book donations THANK-YOU!

July 2008
* The Great Treasure Hunt makes £112.
* Sanitation : essential, but not sexy. Guardian Article
 
June 2008
* Start of The Great Treasure Hunt £2 per square, £50 first prize.  Draw occurs on 1st July 2008.
 
May 2008
* Chris donates a number of items to sell on eBay
* Start seeking corporate sponsorship

April 2008
* Start tidying up GreenFestivalMan website for another year of festivals, and sponsorship fundraising :)  www.myspace.com/GreenFestivalMan
* Training begins (starting off light)

March 2008
* Things slow down while I revise for my re-sit.

February 2008
* Helen completes a month without alcohol (we all know how hard that is) Well done.  £60 added to the site.
* Hold a Shrove Tuesday pancake cookup for WaterAid (£40 raised)

January 2008
* Preliminary plans for a summer band night and hog roast underway
* Chris agrees to donate some items to sell on eBay
* Helen starts a month without alcohol, I've agreed to sponsor her £1 per day


February

* Last Training walks taken, kkit ready, mind ready, let's go. "Be the change you want to see in the world" ;)