We are colleagues at Experian and, motivated by the National Literacy Trust, in January 2027, we will be trading their desks, screens, data models, and warm office for the extreme, sub-zero winter of Lapland, Sweden, to take part in The Arctic Challenge 2027.

Over four intense days, we will be testing our physical and mental resilience to the absolute limit, conquering a 35km dog sledge race, trekking a 20km Nordic hike, ice fishing, and orienteering in an unspoiled, gruelling wilderness.

We are pushing ourselves way out of our comfort zones—but it’s nothing compared to the challenges faced by children growing up in poverty.

Why Your Support Matters:

Literacy changes everything. It gives children the tools to get the most out of life and the power to shape their own futures. But right now in the UK, low literacy is inextricably linked to poverty, and the data tells a harsh story.

On average, children from the poorest backgrounds start school 19 months behind their more privileged peers. Once they fall behind, they rarely catch up. Children without the expected level of literacy skills are held back at every single stage of their lives. They are:

❗ 5x more likely to fail to meet the expected standards in English at age 11

❗ 4x more likely to be unemployed by age 34

❗ 3x more likely to have mental health problems as adults

A child's potential shouldn't be cut short before their life has truly begun. But this cycle is not inevitable. With your support, we can change these statistics:

100% of the money we raise goes directly to the National Literacy Trust to transform the lives of children in the most disadvantaged areas of the UK. Every pound makes a tangible difference. Your support can provide a child's very first book, fund inspiring storytelling events, train early years volunteers to support parents, or empower teenagers with vital career and communication skills.

We have a massive combined fundraising target of £4,400 to hit, and we cannot do it without you. Whether you can spare the price of a coffee or a bit more, every donation brings us closer to our goal and helps a child write a better life story.

Thank you so much for backing us! ❤️

Tomás & Ben