Ten intrepid Mountbatten Isle of Wight fundraisers are just days away from an epic adventure which will see them sled 240km through north Sweden’s snowy wilderness, while each tending to their pack of husky dogs. 

Follow our Mountbatten Isle of Wight Lapland Husky Trail Challenge blog

After a short acclimatisation, they will begin their challenge on 20 March. Their adventure will end at Sweden's world-famous Ice Hotel on 27 March.

Photo shows: Standing, from left — Craig, Jamie, Will, David, Sarah and Beccie. Seated, from left — Sammy, Vanda, Arla the husky, Ed and Adam. On screen — Zoe (bottom), and Judy from Global Adventure Challenges.

Above: Sarah.

"Extraordinary work"

“My mum died of lung cancer 18 months ago and was cared for by Mountbatten Isle of Wight”, said Adam, who is looking forward to taking on the challenge with friends David, Ed and Will. He has never camped before and is not looking forward to the cold nights.

“I'm taking on this challenge because I've witnessed, first-hand, the extraordinary work that Mountbatten Isle of Wight does. It is very close to my heart. I've done charity car rallies, but nothing like this before,” said fellow fundraiser Ed.

David said:  “I am taking this on because it's a great cause. I've done Nepal in the past, but this is slightly different! I'm most looking forward to the dogs and the teamwork.”

"Epic views"

“I know people who have been in the hospice and I'm sure I'll be there one day as well,” said Will. He added: “I am worried about the cold. I know that it drains you. I am most excited about the scenery. There are going to be some pretty epic views!

Sarah said, “With my job in healthcare, I see how much Mountbatten Isle of Wight does. The other reason I am taking on this challenge is that it is a long overdue thank you, from me, for the hospice’s work during Covid-19. I'm most looking forward to the beautiful scenery and the Northern Lights.”

Top: Adam. Above: Will. Below: Becky.

“I’ve never done anything like this in my life before,” said Beccie. “It's the first and only time I'll probably ever do anything this mad! I've been training for the last 15 months: yoga, Pilates, swimming - just trying to get as fit and strong as I possibly can. I’ve had lots of support – including contacting Simon Reeve and Ben Fogle!”

Mountbatten Isle of Wight supported Craig’s mum and dad with end-of-life care.

“My mum knew we were going to take on this challenge,” said Craig. “She wasn't at all surprised. We do a lot of travelling.”

"Lots of support"

Craig will be travelling with his partner, Vanda, who volunteers for Mountbatten.

“I saw the Lapland Husky Trail challenge advertised last Christmas, she explained.

“I'm not very brave and I don't like heights. When I saw this come up, I was like, ‘yeah, I fancy doing that.’ Then Craig said, ‘you're not doing that on your own’, so he's coming too!”

Above: Craig. Below: Vanda. Bottom: David.

Zoe has previously climbed Kilimanjaro to raise money for Mountbatten and is no stranger to a challenge, in memory of her mum.

“Life is supposed to be an adventure,” said Zoe, adding: “Four and half years ago, my mum died. She was my best friend. It was an awful time. My mum had been given the all clear but the cancer had come back with a vengeance. She was young — only 67 years old. Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s nurses came and looked after her at home. They also supported the family. They made us laugh, they gave us hugs, they made us aware of the reality, and had conversations with us that we didn't want to have but needed to have. I will forever remember the conversation I had with one of the nurses who said it was an absolute privilege to look after those in their final days. I think that shows just how strong, dignified, kind and gentle they all were, and continue to be to this day.” 

"Life is an adventure"

Sammy admits she is getting a bit nervous as the departure date draws near.

She said: “I've actually debated hiding my own passport! The night-time temperatures apparently can get so cold that your eyeballs feel like they're freezing, even though they're not! I bought a balaclava to sleep in. I am looking forward to doing something that's completely out of my comfort zone and hopefully seeing the Northern Lights as well. I'll probably take a gift from my daughter - a love heart split down the middle. She's decorated one half and I've decorated the other.”

Top: Sammy. Above: Ed. 

Our challengers are being supported by experience provider, Global Adventure Challenges and together, they have already raised over £40,000, with more coming in.

Harri McNeil, from Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s fundraising team, said: “It’s been a privilege getting to know our incredible and intrepid fundraisers. The team and I wish them the best of luck. This promises to be an amazing challenge.

"Their efforts have already raised over £40,000, helping Mountbatten deliver its expert and compassionate 24/7 end-of-life care. Did you know 85 per cent of what Mountbatten Isle of Wight does is delivered in Islanders’ homes. Community fundraising like this is integral to ensuring we can continue to support the people who need us, and their friends and family.

"I hope this continues to inspire our challengers, through freezing nights and wilderness — all the way to the Ice Hotel!"

To take on a challenge for Mountbatten Isle of Wight, from wing walking to running and from abseiling to skydiving, visit www.mountbatten.org.uk/challenge2026.