Laura Laing's Arctic Challenge
I recently completed the Arctic Challenge, trekking for three days across the Finland wilderness, near the Arctic Circle. It was an amazing experience, though, the planning beforehand, training, and then packing was quite extensive! There were other complications…I am undergoing weekly cancer treatment, which I only started in December. The treatment has knocked me for six and I had to persuade my hematology consultant to sign me off to do the challenge, thankfully he agreed, just two weeks before I was set to go.
It was a challenge! But I had my friend taking part with me and we met many people along the way who were also doing the trek. We shared accommodation in a six-person dorm room, with no electricity and an outdoor compost toilet in the snow. I’ll not forget that in a hurry! The experience also included cross country skiing, dog sledding, and a cold-water dip in an icy lake. I’d say one of the biggest challenges was the fundraising aspect and raising money for Penumbra as there are lots of people raising money for worthwhile causes and I worried that no one would sponsor me, or I wouldn’t raise enough money. I started a JustGiving page that I promoted on social media, then once I completed the Finland Challenge, I sent a message to all my friends asking them to choose a bonus ball number (one number = £10 donation) from 1 to 30, with the chance of winning a gift voucher to a local restaurant. Everyone was so kind, and I managed to raise a little bit more, which was amazing!
I learned a lot. I learnt that everyone has their own story to share, and it is so rewarding to hear. I learnt if you set your mind to something you can achieve it! I am now thinking about the future, and my next challenge.
Raising money is so important to keep charities and their services going… If I could say one thing to someone thinking about fundraising for Penumbra I’d say, DO IT!!
Mental health services have been invaluable to me and my family over the years. My brother sadly took his own life in July of last year and I felt I needed to do more to raise the profile of mental health support, and Penumbra do so much good work in our community. They have a number of local services and we decided as a family to raise funds for Penumbra. They also have useful resources to help people of all ages, including support for people with thoughts of suicide and for people experiencing self-harm and their families.
If I could say one thing to someone thinking about fundraising for Penumbra I’d say, DO IT!! Raising money is so important to keep charities and their services going. Whether it’s a bake sale, a raffle, a marathon – they are all a good way to raise money. Raising the profile of charities through social media can also support a friend or a colleague who is going through a hard time and shows them that there is help available. Take a look at Penumbra’s fundraising page and start planning your fundraiser! You won’t regret it.
HUGE congratulations to Laura Laing for her incredible achievement and for fundraising for us!
Inspired? Visit Penumbra’s fundraising page: penumbra.org.uk/fundraising
