In February 2023 I will join a team to trek through the Arctic Circle raising money for the Dreams Come True charity.  The itinerary is detailed below and the challenge will be self funded, with all money raised going direct to charity.

Having become a Father in 2020, I feel like this is the right time to challenge myself to support other children in realising their Dreams.  

Additionally, to hopefully increase the generous giving in these tough economic times, I will also be partaking in Movember along with dry January.  I'm hoping the dry Jan will also help me prepare and train for the trip!

By donating to my page you are helping to create life-enhancing and life-changing experiences for children with serious and life-limiting conditions. You are making Dreams Come True!

Itinerary for trip:

Day 1: Your Arctic Trek begins! A member of the Breaking Strain Events team will meet your group at the airport to meet, greet and facilitate check-in.  From here you fly to Rovaniemi via Helsinki. Travel time until this point will be around 12 hours and transfer from Rovaniemi airport to our 3* hotel is 20 minutes.  Flights and transfers are all included.

Day 2: A day of acclimatization on the frozen river (temperatures could be as low as -30 so they could take a little getting used to!) as well as pulk, snowshoe and equipment familiarisation.  We'll also carry out a kit check and safety brief. Once you have introduced yourself to your pulk, why not take a Reindeer Sleigh to Santa Land – Rovaniemi is official home town of Santa Claus and celebrates Christmas every day of the year – but please don’t be late HO HO HOME (couldn’t resist sorry). Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 3:  After breakfast it’s time to get the show on the road! You’ll be led by our experienced trekking team which includes both local guides and UK members of the Breaking Strain team, walking approximately 28 kms.  The walk will take most of the day and the route will follow the frozen river before heading west where there are a couple of rolling hills before descending again to a frozen lake. The distance might be long but with good company and even better chat, it certainly won’t seem arduous. Once we have set up camp, dinner  will follow round an open fire (songs not compulsory) – the food will be simple but warm and hearty. As night falls, keep you heads up, now is your best chance of seeing those magnificent yet elusive Northern Lights. You’ll sleep in 2 person tents which will be provided. Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.

Day 4: Second day of trekking and after breakfast and packing up camp, we embark on a 20km stretch of glorious white wilderness. The trail takes us further into the wilderness. The terrain gets slightly more hilly as we enter the forests. Take deep breaths and clear out your lungs, remember you are doing something  amazing for body and soul!  Once again we will set up camp and eat dinner round the fire. If you didn’t  catch the Northern Lights last night then tonight could be the night. Bedtime stories compulsory. Breakfast, lunch, dinner included.

Day 5: Legs may be sore but lungs will be clear, eyes will be bright and enthusiasm will be high for day 3 and the final 18km. The day will end at the fabulous Arctic Snow Hotel.  You’ll have time to look round and sample some of the hotel’s facilities – are you brave enough to have a snow bath? (we’re not so you’ll find us in the snow sauna.) Dinner is served in the Ice Restaurant which will be a fitting environment in which to spend your last few hours in Lapland. When sleep beckons, it’s off to your igloo where an alarm call will hopefully alert you to the Northern Lights blooming overhead. There's no need to get out of your bed though as the ceiling is made from glass. Lie back and enjoy the view.

Day 6:  A leisurely breakfast before being transported to the airport by coach. Boo, it’s home time. The end of an amazing week but the start of many new friendships. Mission accomplished.