On the 3rd February 2019, I will be taking on one of the biggest challenges of my life, by joining 'Team Arctic' to raise money for The Royal British Legion! I will be flying to Northern Sweden where I am going to spend 7 days being tested to new limits….. most of you know I am never far away from technology; so 7 days with no running water or electricity is going to be a reality check to say the least.

After the first couple of days acclimatising to the cold; we will be husky sledding, cross country skiing, and completing a 60km trek into the forest, and up into the mountains; it is then onto the interestingly named ‘survival phase’ of the trip.  This will involve venturing off into the Wilderness for the remainder of the expedition; learning valuable new skills, constructing and sleeping in snow holes, building shelters, ice fishing, and snow shoeing!

I particularly liked number 32 on our 'Essential Kit List' - A SENSE OF HUMOUR!

Please contact me if you or your business feel able to support me in other ways such as supplying or sponsoring kit!  

What have I done!? :-)

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UPDATE: This has moved on somewhat since I originally signed up for the Expedition; not being one for cake sales, or 'come dine with me' evenings, I decided to tag on some additional fundraising events and challenges along the way.

This initially started with the Hull 10k, Leeds 10k, York 10k, and more recently, the London 10k, but was soon to move beyond to longer distances.

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NOV'18 UPDATE: Turns out this running lark is very addictive!  As well as it being great for fundraising, it is fantastic for health and well-being!

I have now completed all the aforementioned runs; the Hull, York, London, and Leeds 10k; and more recently the Hull Marathon Relay, the York 10 Mile, and just over a week ago, I actually managed my first Half Marathon; the Rother Valley Half!

This past weekend was the biggest challenge to date (not least because of the Amber Weather Warning); the Survival Training Weekend in a forest near Exeter!  Details and photos to follow - Tough, very tough!  It has given me a new found respect for all the comforts we often take for granted!

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JAN'19 UPDATE: Less than two weeks to go now!  

Thank you to everyone that has so far helped me raise £3,025.  I would very much like to reach my fundraising target of £4,000 for this very important charity!

I think my kit list is now pretty much complete; I need a few more ration packs and a hat; but apart from that, I think I am all packed and ready to go.

The weather has been very changeable in recent days which has caused me to rethink what I need to take and the number of layers; it seems to fluctuate by as much as 20 degrees within as many hours at the moment.  A couple of extra Merino Wool base layers made their way into my bag this weekend to be on the safe side!

Getting very excited now!