Three intrepid Fromies are taking on the Lapland Husky Trail targeting to raise £12,000 between them for local charity WHY.
Ruth Knagg, Sally Hooper and Jon Witcombe will fly to Norway on 22nd March where they have a crash course (maybe literally?!) in how to “mush” their own team of huskies. Then they are straight out onto a 250 km trek over the border into Sweden, camping out for almost a week in temperatures likely to be down to minus 30 degrees.
Aside from pitching their tents and cooking their own meals, the most important task will be to look after those faithful huskies who make it possible to cover such a long distance across the vast Arctic snowfields.
Ruth says “At first I was worried about camping out in such cold temperatures but, as the challenge is getting nearer, I’m actually much more nervous about hanging onto those powerful dogs especially when they’re hurtling downhill!”
All three challengers are dog lovers and this photo was taken in Victoria Park with the five rather smaller hounds that they own and the help of a snow machine. Sally tells us “I love the snow – even fake snow!”
Fundraising is well under way, with a total raised of over £6,000 already. As part of her fundraising, Sally, a keen wild swimmer, has been doing “a dip a day” during January. This entails a swim in either a river, lake or the sea without a wetsuit and, on working days, that can see her in the river at Farleigh at 6am in the dark. Bbbrrrrrr!
All the funds are going to local charity We Hear You (WHY) who provide free, professional counselling for anyone affected by cancer or other life-threatening illnesses. 2019 is WHY’s 25th birthday and this Husky Trail is one of several special events going the extra mile to raise more funds for the service.
Jon says “The first time I helped WHY with fundraising was volunteering to DJ at an event and when I saw this dog sled challenge, it really appealed as a great way to notch up my support to another level.”
There will be a fundraising quiz on Saturday 2nd March at 7.30pm in the main hall of Frome Steiner School. £3 per head, drinks available from the bar. Contact Sally Hooper on 07921 888500 to book in and for more information.
Donations can be made online at www.total giving. co.uk/mypage/three swans
Or pop into the WHY office with a donation and keep your eyes peeled for a good old jumble sale coming soon!
Pictured above: Ruth Knagg, Jon Witcombe and Sally Hooper.
