A group of six adventurous fundraisers, known as the Whittlesey's Arctic Angels, have raised more than £23,000 for Sue Ryder after taking on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge trekking in Finland.
On March 18, the group travelled to the Arctic Circle to complete Sue Ryder's Arctic Adventure, a demanding overseas challenge involving snowshoe trekking through frozen forests, crossing frozen lakes, sub-zero temperatures, and nights in remote wilderness cabins. The team was brought together by Annette Mawby, Regional Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough, who signed up to the challenge after just a year into her role with the palliative care and bereavement support charity.
Inspired Leadership
Annette 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 Arctic Angels began as a team of four: Annette, Sarah Andrew, Ashlea Mawby and Victoria Marshall, and soon grew to six when two more friends, Jessica Scott and Reece Trott, joined. The Whittlesey fundraisers then joined another five trekkers in Finland, each with their own personal reasons for taking part.
Together, the Arctic Angels have raised more than £23,639 so far, with further donations still coming in.
Personal Challenges Overcome
Annette added: "Truthfully, I hate the cold, and with Raynaud's, I knew this would be a personal challenge. But I was determined to sign up anyway and then decided to see if anyone else would join me. I hosted a small information evening, not knowing what to expect. By the end of that very night, I had a full team. That's how the Arctic Angels were born."
Thanks to overwhelming community support, the group quickly reached its original fundraising target back in November 2025. Fundraising activities included bake sales, yard sales, wreath-making workshops, and a large winter ball, with the Whittlesey community turning out in force to support the challenge.
The Trek Experience
The Arctic trek itself tested the group both physically and mentally. Fundraisers trekked for hours across frozen lakes, climbed snow-covered mountains, took part in husky sledding, braved icy water dips, and tackled the infamous ice hole challenge.
Fellow Arctic Angel Victoria Marshall described the challenge as unforgettable: "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."
Despite the physical demands, team members said the sense of unity carried them through the toughest moments.
Lasting Impact
Annette adds: "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." Annette was so inspired by the challenge that she has already signed up for Sue Ryder's newest overseas trek in Transylvania, continuing to ensure that no one faces dying or grief alone.
To find out more about Sue Ryder's next overseas trek, Mount Toubkal, visit the Sue Ryder website.
