Matthew Smith
Heroes of Telemark 80th Anniversary Escape Route to Sweden page
Fundraising for Who Dares Cares
Story
Back in 1999 I lost my older brother Francis a former veteran to mental health while I was serving in Bosnia. More recently lockdown has affected millions of families and we all know of someone who has suffered through mental health. Sadly during this time my close friend and business partner Paul McCusker was was also affected and as a young man left us too early back in 2000.
To honour my brother and Paul and help raise awareness for mental health an international team will ski from Norway to Sweden following in the footsteps of the Heroes of Telemark on the 80th anniversary.
After an initial training phase in Norway we will depart on the same date as the saboteurs as they made their escape to Sweden after completing the most successful sabotage mission of World War 2.
Carrying all our own safety equipment, food and supplies we will retrace their 200 mile journey unsupported on skis across the highest plateau in Europe the Hardangervidda.
Carrying all our own safety equipment, food and supplies we will retrace their 200 mile journey unsupported on skis across the highest plateau in Europe the Hardangervidda.
All funds will go towards the charity Who Dares Cares. Helping veterans, the emergency services and their families suffering with mental health.
Find out more here:
https://soeexpeditions.com/norway-escape-routehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_heavy_water_sabotage