Story
Avril Mills and Martin Bye have agreed to accept an enormous personal challenge which will test their physical and mental strength in some of the most extreme conditions known to man. Over 7 days, they will each drive their own pack of huskies across 250km / 156 miles (that’s the distance from London to Torquay) in temperatures averaging -20 degrees. This is no ordinary charity challenge – they will be required to erect their own tents, cook their own food and look after their team of huskies. This is a “hands on” extreme wilderness challenge, if ever there was one! They will begin their challenge in Norway and finish up in Sweden.
So why on earth would two people agree to put themselves through this huge challenge!?
Avril and Martin are raising funds for an incredible charity called THE DREAM FACTORY. Avril founded the charity in 2008 in memory of her 9-year-old son, Oliver, who died of leukemia. The charity makes dreams a reality for children and young adults who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, or those who suffer from severe disabilities. So far, more than 200 children have had their dreams come true, but there are so many more that still need your help.
Anyone who knows Avril will already be aware, she doesn’t like the cold, she’s not a fan of dogs and she hasn’t got a clue how to put-up a tent, so this really is a huge challenge for her. We really do hope that in exchange for this great sacrifice, you can help donate a little to help 2 children with life threatening illnesses to go themselves to Lapland to meet Father Christmas .
Daven will be 4 years old on 12th December. He has been suffering from a very rare form of cancer and has had to undergo intensive treatment. His wish was to go to Lapland and meet Santa Claus. We have arranged this for him and he flies to Finland on the 8th December and returns on 11th. This is one birthday he will never forget and we are delighted we have made it so special for him.
Domenic is 9 years old and has been suffering from leukaemia. After lots of treatment Domenic relapsed and had to have a bone marrow transplant. His wish now that he is in remission is to visit Lapland and to meet Father Christmas and to play in the snow. We have arranged this as a Christmas treat and the family will fly out on 16th December for three nights.