A 35km dog sled race, 25km cross country ski, ice fishing and orienteering in the arctic wilderness? Mission accepted.

Along with three other Penguins, I’m about to embark on the epic Arctic Challenge with the aim of raising a minimum of £8,000 (£2,000 each) for The National Literacy Trust. In January 2023, along with Senior Designer Kat Bourne, Communications Assistant Chadia Aliberti, and Senior Press Officer Phoebe Williams I’ll head deep into the Arctic circle to take part in the ultimate test of endurance and team work.

The series of physical and skills based challenges will take place in the heart of lapland, in an icy wilderness just north of Kiruna. With temperatures reaching as low as -30 degrees C and sunlight lasting only a few hours, we really will be pushed to the edge of our limits.

In the run up to this event, I’ll also organise a series of personal challenges and fun events for others to get involved in to drive as many donations as possible. Look out for updates on Just Giving as these are announced!

Working in the publishing industry at Penguin Random House UK, The National Literacy Trust supports a cause that is very close to all our hearts. By donating, you are enabling us to help the most disadvantaged children in the UK escape the cycle of poverty and low literacy. The latest research has shown that there are now 4.3 million children living in poverty in the UK and 1 in 11 children of these children don’t own a single book. The cost of living crisis is set to escalate the scale of this challenge massively. These children are at risk of becoming a lost generation and they need our support now more than ever.

Last year, The National Literacy Trust…

Supported the literacy of 700,000 children who were out of school and couldn't access digital learning

Distributed 575,643 books, magazines and writing resources during lockdown.

Saw over 1m unique visitors to our family-focussed Words for Life site

Worked with 6,492 schools, supporting their efforts to re-engage and inspire learners.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.