Maxine Gibbs, Managing Director of Medicolegal Associates Ltd, is undertaking a challenging journey across the Arctic 11th to 15th December 2016 to raise funds for the CRPS (Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome) charity ‘Burning Nights’ http://www.burningnightscrps.org/.
CRPS is a debilitating and painful chronic condition which can occur in any limb or extremity and is associated with sensory, motor, autonomic, skin and bone abnormalities. The charity ‘Burning Nights’ was founded by CRPS sufferer and Barrister, Victoria Abbott-Fleming. You can read her fascinating story here; http://www.burningnightscrps.org/ourstory/our-founder/
A personal message from Maxine about the trip
“Almost everyone who knows me knows of my love of dogs… I have always had dogs in my life – until recently four… sadly I lost two of my old dogs this Summer but I still have Milly, my Basset Hound, and Boo, my Maltese Terrier.
Like many, I have been in awe of the Arctic since childhood and that dream, along with my love of dogs, led me to the challenge I am undertaking in December – to sled across the Arctic Tundra over four days with the aim of covering 60-70km a day – about 45 miles in old money!
‘Burning Nights’
This challenge – and believe me it is a challenge, is to raise money for a wonderful charity called Burning Nights founded by Victoria Abbott-Fleming. Victoria is a CRPS sufferer and her harrowing story sets the scene for many CRPS sufferers across the UK.
I met Victoria this Summer and learnt the details regarding the very minor accident that resulted in her having both legs amputated. I was of course aware of CRPS through the medicolegal cases we undertake – but I wasn’t prepared for the devastation that this chronic pain condition can cause – I was shocked to learn how many children suffer from this condition too. I urge you to click on this link to the Burning Nights website to learn more about the condition and the amazing and unique work that Victoria and her team do.
The Trip
When signing up to the Arctic challenge, I really was not prepared for the reality of such a gruelling undertaking… whilst I envisaged a Dr Zhivago type setting – fur blankets and rugged men driving sleds of huskies across the tundra – this is far from what I can expect.
We fly to Norway, then on to Sweden in a small jet to a small town 200km inside the Arctic circle! I have managed to choose to visit during the Polar Night meaning that we will be lucky to get 3 hours of daylight per day!!! Temperatures can fall to as low as -30 degrees at night. We will be sledding in darkness mostly – twilight at best!
On arrival, we will be trained to harness and care for our team of huskies and sleep in relative luxury for the night in a heated log cabin with running water and electricity. The sleds are very thin and wooden I am told… the snow and ice is very bumpy!! Falling off the sled and often is to be expected – especially the first day… one has to balance on the thin runners while using the central braking system… however this can be fraught as too much braking exhausts the dogs, where as too little causes them to tangle in the harness with the risk of breaking a leg!
The trail can be steep, which necessitates passengers jumping off and running alongside the dogs up hills – whilst NEVER letting go of the sled… this may be easier said than done. Stamina and resilience is essential as 60-70km a day is quite a tall order – the weather conditions of course can make it very challenging… the weather forecast says it’s currently snowing!!!
We camp at night in wooden huts in sleeping bags – very basic, no electricity or running water – some have a sauna – however rolling the snow or putting on a swimsuit in the Arctic is not for me! We will dig holes in the snow to access water and I have not dared ask what we do for loo breaks!
I did not of course realise any of this when I decided to take on this challenge… some may say that was foolhardy and maybe it was – but I am not sure I would have gone ahead and booked a four night expedition, had I known!! The disclaimers arrived yesterday… an entire A4 page of all eventualities… No polar bears thank goodness but lots of moose and wolves!
How you can show your support
So… I would be extremely grateful if you could sponsor this challenge. Every penny you donate will go directly to Burning Nights to support the fantastic work they are doing. Believe me, I will be working the harder than I have ever worked for every penny you donate, so please make my terrifying challenge worthwhile by giving generously to Burning Nights. Please click HERE to donate.
Wish me luck and warm thanks for your support!”
Maxine
