I am excited (and nervous) to be participating in the HOCo. Wilderness Challenge in June 2022, along with 7 amazing team mates, one of whom is my ever-patient husband Johan who I persuade to do crazy things. 

The Challenge is an unsupported, 300km journey over 2 weeks via canoe and on foot across the northern wilderness in Ontario, Canada to raise money for cancer research. There is only one rule: whatever kit and food you canoe in with, you must carry. The first 2-3 days entails the rollercoaster of grade 2(3) rapids. From there we navigate our way through a network of lakes, rivers and swamps to get to the hiking trail. All camping is wild camping. (Yes, we will do what bears do in the woods). 

We’ve been training for this for 2 years and I’ve lost and put on the same 10kg as we go in and out of lockdown and had to postpone twice! No women have done the Challenge before so I’m hoping not to let the side down. We’ve had to train in rivers in Wales in winter, and I do not like the cold! 

My reason for doing this Challenge is in memory of my parents who both died of cancer. They would love that I’m doing this. I’ve had 2 malignant melanomas, as has my brother, so it’s great to think the money we raise will go towards saving lives in future. Every penny raised really does make a difference.

Thank you for reading my story and for your support. 

Laura x