A team of determined Mountbatten Isle of Wight supporters have raised an incredible £56,270.97 after completing a gruelling 240km husky sled challenge through the snowy wilderness of Sweden.
The charity’s first-ever Lapland Husky Trail Challenge saw participants travel through the Arctic Circle in March, guided by experts from Global Adventure Challenges.
Starting in Kiruna and finishing at Sweden’s world-famous Ice Hotel, the week-long expedition involved travelling by husky-pulled sleds, camping beneath the Northern Lights and enduring freezing Arctic conditions.
At a recent thank-you evening, the impressive fundraising total was officially revealed.
The money raised will support Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s 24/7 end-of-life care services, with 85 per cent of care delivered in Islanders’ homes. The charity also provides inpatient care in Newport and services at the John Cheverton Centre.
Harri McNeil, Mountbatten community fundraiser, has said:
“Travelling through Sweden’s Arctic wilderness was no easy challenge.
Article continues below this advertisement “Our fundraisers faced freezing temperatures, the challenges – and joy – of looking after their huskies, snowdrifts up to their necks and the physical demands of being pulled on sleds.
“They earned every single penny of the incredible amount raised for Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
“We are so very grateful, it will help our expert teams continue to deliver vital care to Islanders dealing with death, dying and bereavement.”
Mountbatten Isle of Wight says it reaches 70 per cent of all deaths on the Isle of Wight – significantly higher than the national hospice average of around 30 per cent.
A video from the challenge has also been released online which can be viewed here.
A massive well done to all who took part….my friend was one of those who did (in picture) & I’ve been told first hand how hard it was but at the same time wonderful!
great achievement & a big thank you