In support of Mountbatten Isle of Wight, an incredible 16 people have signed up to take on an epic fundraising adventure, sledding over 240km through untouched natural landscapes and past beautiful scenic views, all while tending to a pack of husky dogs.
In March 2026, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure will finish at Sweden’s world-famous Ice Hotel.
Mountbatten Isle of Wight is working with specialist charity challenge event provider, Global Adventure Challenges, to offer this unique experience and the limited places that were available flew out the door.
Now, we can reveal some of the intrepid supporters who have signed up for this amazing opportunity, each aiming to raise thousands of pounds to ensure Mountbatten’s expert nurses and doctors can continue to deliver vital end-of-life care to Islanders in their own homes and in our Newport hospice.
We asked them….Why take on Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s Lapland Husky Trail challenge?
Webster: In gratitude for the palliative care and end-of-life care my mum received
Jamie Webster, director of RenoDrain, is taking part in memory of his parents.
He said,
“This challenge means more to me than just an adventure. It’s in honour of my dad and in gratitude for the palliative care and end-of-life care my mum received.
“I’m hoping not only to complete this challenge but to raise vital funds to support others in need. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful impact.”
Mann: The Mountbatten team was constantly by our sides
Zoe Mann said,
“A few years ago, when my brilliant mum became unwell, we were so fortunate the Mountbatten team was constantly by our sides, looking after Mum and supporting our family.
“They delivered so much compassion and kindness, as well as the strength we needed to get through such a tough time.
“My mum always believed in giving back and also making each day count. A year after she died, I climbed Kilimanjaro to raise money for the Mountbatten staff who played such a pivotal role in making her last months peaceful and happy.
“Life is short and we should all make the most of what we have. It is definitely time for another challenge — a complete change from mountain climbing in Africa. Being a part of the husky sled challenge will bring new experiences, new friends and help raise all-important funds for Mountbatten. I can’t wait!”
Martell: The Mountbatten nurse made our time of sadness far easier
Craig Martell, who is adventuring with his partner, Vanda Niemiec said,
“I began my involvement with Mountbatten when I returned from an extended travel period in 2006 and needed a way of getting back into the world of employment. I volunteered as an assistant in the occupational therapy team and for the John Cheverton Centre café.
“In 2022, Mountbatten helped my father, supplying a hospital bed in his home which allowed him to stay there for his last days. When he died, a Mountbatten nurse was present and made our time of sadness far easier, with her help and support.
“When we saw the advert for this challenge we felt it was time to give a little back. I’m not the sort to jump out of a plane or abseil down a building, but an opportunity to spend time challenging myself over five days of dog sledding, in difficult terrain and climate, seems like a good way to test myself, while supporting a charity close to my heart.
“I’m really looking forward to the experience and will be spending the next year getting fit.”
Niemiec: A fun way to further support Mountbatten and encourage us to get fit
Vanda Niemiec, who is adventuring with her partner, Craig Martell, said,
“I have been volunteering with Mountbatten for over ten years, collecting yellow charity boxes from shops and businesses, helping with events and marshalling for Walk the Wight. We have friends who have been very brave over the years and raised money for charity, by abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower, wing walking and parachute jumping. As I have a fear of heights, I knew these challenges weren’t for me.
“I have previously spent a day husky sledding in Finland and it was one of my most memorable experiences.
“Craig and I thought this challenge would be a fun way to further support Mountbatten and encourage us to get fit.”
How to support the Mountbatten Isle of Wight fundraisers’ epic Lapland Husky Trail adventure
- If you can’t be there yourself, the next best thing is to support the sixteen people who will be taking on the challenge in aid of Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
- Visit their fundraising page: Mountbatten Isle of Wight: The Lapland Husky Trail
Sexton: I will really be pushing myself out of my comfort zone
Maria Sexton said,
“I had been looking to do a new challenge for a little while…then I came across the husky trek for Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
“Why this challenge, you ask? Well it’s been a long time since I took one on.
“This felt like it would be much tougher: I am not keen on snow or the cold. Lapland is covered in snow and is often -35 degrees Celsius. I will really be pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
“Mountbatten is a cause close to my heart. I currently volunteer, so have seen first hand the great work staff and volunteers put in. I have had friends who were cared for beautifully by Mountbatten.
“Every penny raised helps keep Mountbatten ticking over, so it can still offer all the great services and care.
“My dad has terminal cancer and is under the care of Mountbatten at home. Staff are ready to step in and help when needed. For me, I would love to raise as much as I can.
“After losing so many friends and family in the last year, it has really spurned me on to take up a challenge. My lovely friend Charlotte decided to join me. I’m grateful to her. Who could turn down a chance to see the northern lights? I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Janet Coates said,
“Mountbatten is a very important care setting for the Isle of Wight. It has supported so many people over the years. This is a massive challenge for me and the fact I can help Mountbatten is an added bonus!”
We wish Team Mountbatten Isle of Wight the best of luck with their training and preparation — our fundraising team will be supporting them all the way.
Check back for updates on how they are getting ready to take on the challenge!
News shared by Lucy on behalf of Mountbatten. Ed
