In May 2022, I will be part of a small team skiing 400 miles across the Greenland Ice Cap. We will start on the West from Kangerlussuaq and finish in Isortoq. It will be a tough endeavour with temperatures regularly falling to -20C. I will be travelling unsupported which means I have to pull all my food and kit in a pulk (like a sled), which at the beginning of the expedition will weigh almost 100kg. Greenland is the largest island on Earth; measuring 2,900 kilometres long and 1,100 kilometres wide.

Working with Oddizzi the online Geography resource provider for primary schools www.oddizzi.com - I will be taking young people on a virtual field trip; sharing the journey via a tracking link so that schools can track my progress. I will also be calling schools from a satellite phone, answering questions as I go and giving an insight into the human and physical geographical features of Greenland to support childrens learning with a sense of fun and adventure something much needed after the past two years.

The expedition hopes to raise as much money as I can for my chosen charity, Kindled Spirit www.kindledspirit.org.uk

I feel a deep connection with Kindled Spirit. The charity was set up during my Around the World Cycle Ride when its founder and one of my sponsors, Richard Cribb, paid me a visit in India during the challenge. Whilst in the country, he read a book about the exploitation of vulnerable, young women inspiring him to act and set up Kindled Spirit to help women achieve hope and freedom. Working with its charity partner in Mumbai (Kshamat) - who run the operations on the ground- Kindled Spirit achieves great things by supporting, educating and empowering vulnerable young women to believe in themselves. The guidance and training they receive helps them to enter the job market in a vocation of their choosing. The results are amazing - please read Pradnyas story below.

How you can help

Everyone can make a difference and we are asking you to undertake a fundraising challenge either personally or with your friends, family or school mates.

Will you hold a cake sale or coffee morning? Get your Saturday morning Park Run sponsored? Run round the school field? Do press ups? Hold a non-uniform day at school or challenge yourself to meet new friends? Whatever you decide to do please wear something ORANGE when carrying out the challenge, as this is the colour theme running through the challenge, and dont forget to shout about what you are doing through social media! YOU CAN make a difference to some of the most vulnerable young people in our global society. Please donate any proceeds of your fundraising to this page.

If you are unable to undertake a challenge of your own, please consider sponsoring me as I undertake my own personal challenge ski-ing across Greenland. A donation, however large or small, will be much appreciated and make a real difference to someone's life. On behalf of myself and Kindled Spirit thank you for your support.

Pradnya's story:

The best way to illustrate the great work of Kindled Spirit and Kshamata is through a real-life story. Pradnya (name changed) was trafficked to Mumbai against her will. She was rescued 18 months later and referred to the charity. In the early days, she was angry, confused, suffering from malnutrition and homeless. She undertook the residential rehabilitation programme, where it was identified that she had a creative streak. As she progressed, her health, confidence and self-esteem all improved.

Today she is a bright, confident young lady, who has learned to speak English and gained computer skills, providing her with more well-paid options in the job market. She now shares independent accommodation with other young women and has trained in social media, an industry she is currently employed in and an achievement unthinkable just a few years ago. Pradnya defines the charitys good work.

This wonderful story has been replicated many times since 2014, with young women entering the workplace in a variety of chosen disciplines, including retail, banking and the police or fire service, experiencing independence and enjoying a fulfilling, self-sufficient life.