Retired GP from Newark raises vital funds for local hospice
David Wathen joined 4 others in Lapland camping in temperatures as low as -26°C
A group of five from Nottinghamshire have towed sledges through the Arctic Circle and camped in temperatures as low as -26°C to raise funds for Beaumond House Hospice Care.
A total of £12,081 was raised.
The expedition saw Paul Marshall, Charlie Marshall, Paddy Whur, Jacquie Whur and David Wathen cross-country ski and wild camp completely off the trails in east Lapland, 200 km inside the Arctic Circle.
Each person endured pulling a sled laden with approximately 30 kg of supplies and equipment for the duration of the challenge, as well as setting up camp each night, gathering firewood and collecting water.
Charlie Marshall said: “The experience, views, guides and food were absolutely incredible, despite the hard work, coldness, lack of washing and no changing of clothes for four days! It was well worth the pain, tears, cold and lack of sleep - great memories and a once in a lifetime experience!”
Paddy Whur added: “This was a very real survival trek with all-day cross-country skiing, towing our sleds weighing 30 kg. It was all about teamwork and working together to survive the toughest of tests. It was a challenge, but friendships were made for life and we’re delighted to have raised over £12,000 for Beaumond House.”
David Wathen added: “I can honestly say it was the hardest thing I have ever done and, although looking back it was an amazing experience, at times it felt like purgatory - especially coping with the -26 degrees Celsius at night in the tent. However, as a team, we all managed to stay positive and supported each other throughout the experience.”
Louise Sinclair, Chief Executive at Beaumond House Hospice Care, said:
“Words can’t describe how grateful and proud we are of Paul, Charlie, Paddy, Jacquie and David for their fundraising efforts. The expedition sounds like a true test of endurance and determination, and the whole group really went above and beyond to support the charity.
“Fundraising efforts like this are vital to the survival of Beaumond House. It costs us around £2.8 million to deliver our services to people in need each year, but we have to raise around £2.2 million of this through donations, shops and local businesses.
“The money that the group has raised will be invaluable to us as we continue to provide supportive palliative care, allowing the people of Newark and Sherwood to live well and die well.”
The trip was run by Travel and Trek, which has lead various fundraising treks for the hospice.
For more information about Beaumond House, visit www.beaumondhouse.co.uk or call 01636 610556.