Six fundraisers have raised more than £23,000 for charity through a gruelling Arctic trek.
The group from Whittlesey, calling themselves the Arctic Angels, took on Sue Ryder’s Arctic Adventure in Finland and spent nights in remote wilderness cabins and crossing frozen lakes, all in aid of the Peterborough-based Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.
The team was brought together by Annette Mawby, regional fundraiser at the Peterborough hospice.
Ms Mawby said: "When I joined Sue Ryder, I knew I wanted to do something bold, something that would inspire others.
"I’ve always liked doing things a bit differently, so I thought, why not lead by example and take on something completely out of my comfort zone?
"Then I found the Arctic Challenge.
"It felt perfect… and terrifying."
The team began as four—Ms Mawby, Sarah Andrew, Ashlea Mawby, and Victoria Marshall—before being joined by two friends, Jessica Scott and Reece Trott.
Each walker had their own personal motivation for taking part.
Together they have raised more than £23,639 to date, with donations still coming in.
Despite the fundraising success, the trek itself was a major test of endurance.
The team trekked for hours across frozen lakes, climbed snow-covered mountains, went husky sledding, and braved icy water dips.
Ms Marshall said: "Upon arrival, I was like Bambi on ice and seriously wondered if I’d get through day one.
"I’ve never laughed so hard or cried so many tears.
"I will forever be changed for the better."
The group credits much of its success to community support and teamwork.
Ms Mawby said: "This challenge pushed me in ways I never imagined, but it also showed me the power of people coming together.
"The support from our community, the strength of our team, and the moments we shared out there, it’s something I’ll carry with me forever."
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