Arctic Trek challenge completed for Stockport hospice charity

Maria Stripling put her best foot forward as she completed an epic 80 km Arctic trek in aid of St Ann’s Hospice in Cheadle.

The event organiser trained for months to build her strength for her three-day expedition, which saw her walking in temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius, pulling her belongings on a sled in snow and strong winds. Maria said:

I prefer warmth to be honest and don’t cope very well with the cold. I get circulation problems even on a mild summer’s day but this was a really inspiring personal challenge. 

“The cold and long distances made it a tough, physical experience and a journey to remember. One night the winds were so strong we had to get into our tents after a 23km walk just to keep warm.  I’m really pleased  to have completed it in aid of St Ann’s Hospice and all of their patients.”

Maria has so far raised over £7,500 for the hospice via a range of initiatives, including raffles, auctions, helping people with garden designs, hosting a burlesque and bingo evening, and the Arctic trek challenge.  She’s continuing her campaign to raise £20,000 by the end of June with an open gardens event in Didsbury, and donating her fees for a Japanese garden design project.

Eamonn O’Neal, Chief Executive of St Ann’s, said:

Maria has really gone above and beyond to raise money for our patients and we can’t thank her enough.  What a phenomenal effort, and a huge challenge to undertake. 

“As a charity we rely on the amazing support of people like Maria to continue our care.  We simply couldn’t carry on supporting people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses without them.  We’re hugely grateful to Maria and all of the people who have supported her fundraising efforts so far.  Thanks very much for everything you’ve done for the hospice.”

If you would like to donate in support of Maria’s challenge, you can do so through the Arctic trek’s JustGiving page.