Intrepid explorers take on Arctic challenge after pandemic postponement

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10th March 2022
Seven big-hearted explorers are heading to the Arctic Circle to take on the fundraising challenge of a lifetime, after facing a two-year wait due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Participants in the Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Healthcare Polar Challenge reached Geilo, Norway back in March 2020, just two hours away from their trek, when plans drastically changed as the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

One of the original participants, Andy Lindsley (62) from Scunthorpe, said: “Back in 2020 we were so close to starting the expedition, but suddenly everything closed.

“Search and rescue were no longer operating, meaning there was no way we could continue. We were lucky enough to get one of the last flights out of Oslo before the world went into lockdown.”

Two years later, the 2020 polar challengers are back, along with some new members of the team.

Together, they will spend two nights and three days in the extreme conditions of the Arctic Circle, surviving on only what they are able to carry, whilst trekking in snow and ice for over 30km across the plateau.

Andy said: “We’re definitely up to the challenge, we’ve waited this long and it’s great to finally be heading back.
“All the hours of training will be worth it and I’m really looking forward to learning new winter skills that you don’t have the opportunity to experience in the UK.”

He added: “Lindsey Lodge is an important local charity that touches the lives of a vast amount of people in the area and we’re excited to conquer the Arctic for the Hospice!”

Together the polar fundraisers have raised over £6,000 for Lindsey Lodge so far.

Lindsey Lodge Fundraiser Emma Hartley said: “This challenge has certainly been a long time coming and it’s fantastic to finally see the team about to embark on this once in a life time experience.

“We hope our participants have a fantastic time and the trip provides memories that will last a lifetime.”