Make the most of 2021 with an unforgettable challenge

Willen Hospice is encouraging local people to make up for a quiet 2020 by doing something amazing in 2021, and taking on a challenge of a lifetime.

The first challenge of the year is the epic Hadrian’s Wall, 6 – 13 May. Adventurous hikers will be walking the length of Hadrian’s Wall, stretching from the North to the Irish Sea, and crossing stunning landscapes and historical landmarks along the way. The package includes a fully qualified and experienced walk leader, Julia from The Adventure Geek (pictured), accommodation, a pre-walk training day, guidebook, breakfast and a Hadrian’s Wall passport.

The charity’s Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is an ideal adventure for those who’d prefer to complete a challenge over just one weekend. Taking place 18 – 20 June 2021, the aim of this challenge is to reach the summit of three peaks in the Yorkshire Dales, Pen-y-ghent (694m), Whernside (736m), and Ingleborough (724m), in fewer than 12 hours. This trip includes two nights at a campsite, meals, and a walking guide.

If you’re up for something more extreme, then spend 2021 training and fundraising for the once-in-a-lifetime Arctic Survival Challenge, departing on 13 March 2022. Spend an unforgettable week in the extreme temperatures, just 150km south of the Arctic Circle, learning crucial survival skills and spending three nights building a different shelter to sleep in; a Scandinavian tent, a natural shelter and snow hole called a quinzee. There will also be opportunities to try cross-country skiing, husky sledding and snowmobiling. The charity are inviting local people to attend their free virtual open evening on Monday 25 January at 6pm on Zoom.

The charity also have opportunities to take part in challenges closer to home, including skydiving, a firewalk, and a place in the Milton Keynes Marathon.

Dawn Clark, Challenges Fundraiser, said: “Challenges are a memorable way to raise vital funds for the Hospice. We even have people who are now doing their second or third challenge with us, which is a testament to how great our handpicked packages are.

Fundraising helps people to stay motivated, and gives them the strength not to give up on their challenge, and a massive sense of achievement when they’ve completed it. Then, once the challenge is over, the money raised helps the Hospice to continue providing free, compassionate care to patients and their families in the local area.”

All of the challenges will have extra measures in place to ensure they are COVID-secure.

Willen Hospice needs to raise £4.7M a year, that’s £9 a minute, to continue to provide specialist end of life care to patients and their families in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. To take part in a challenge visit https://www.willen-hospice.org.uk/support-us/fundraise-for-us/challenges-events/ or email Challenges@Willen-Hospice.org.uk