An Arctic Challenge for the Willow Foundation
As a rule, the only ice I usually choose to encounter is of the cubed variety found floating in my gin and tonic. However, on 29th January 2010 I'll be heading off 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle for 8 days, where I'll be expected to learn to drive a sled and team of huskies and cover approximately 35km per day across the frozen tundra in temperatures of between -35C and -50C!
Now, anyone who knows me will tell you that the temperature alone will put me as far from my comfort zone as I could possibly get. After all, I'm the woman who moved to the Mediterranean to escape the 'cold' weather of the UK.
So why am I choosing to put myself through this? Well, of course, there would have to be a very good reason. I'm taking up this challenge to raise £10,000 for The Willow Foundation.
Set up by Bob & Megs Wilson in 1999, in memory of their daughter Anna who lost her battle against a rare form of Cancer at the age of 31, this growing UK charity organises Special Days for young adults (aged 16-40) living with life-threatening conditions. They aim to provide:
- an opportunity to feel 'normal'
- a time-out from treatment
- a chance to escape the pressures of their daily routine
- quality time to share with loved ones
- precious memories
For some it's a last chance to fulfil a lifelong dream, for others it may simply be an opportunity to return some much needed normality back into their lives, but for all, a Special Day offers the chance to make precious memories for the future.
Each Special Day is chosen by the applicant and tailor made to their specific needs. The Willow Foundation organises and funds it all and their long term aim is to be able to offer a Special Day to every seriously ill young adult in the UK.
