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 18 March, 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-Arctic-Angels-from-left-to-right-Reece-Trott-Ashlea-Mawby-Sarah-Andrew-Annette-Mawby-Jessica-Scott-and-Victoria-MarshallThe 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.
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 over £23,639 so far, with further donations still coming in.
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 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.
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 Mount Toubkal Trek 2026 | Sue Ryder
About Sue Ryder: At Sue Ryder, we can’t make life’s most difficult moments easy, but we can carry some of the load. For more than 70 years, we have been a source of strength and support for anyone living with a life-limiting illness or grief.
Dying and grief are universal experiences, but too many people face them alone. We are a safe and reassuring hand you can reach for. From providing care and support for someone at the end of their life to helping someone manage their grief, we know there is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need. We campaign for everyone who is approaching the end of their life or grieving to have access to the right support, at the right time. And we seek to break down the barriers to talking about dying and grief – so we can all be better prepared and better equipped to be there for each other.
We can make a positive difference during even the darkest of times. Whether in the last months, weeks or days of life, or living with grief, we help people live the best life they possibly can. We are there when it matters.
Leave a Reply