What I’m doing…
In April 2026, I’ll be taking part in The Arctic Polar Race to run a once in a lifetime marathon at the North Pole! I’m taking on this extraordinary challenge to raise money for a charity close to my heart – Garden House Hospice Care (GHH).
This authentic challenge will see me run 10 laps of a 4.22 km circuit to complete a full marathon distance (42.20 km / 26.2 miles) in April’s extreme sub-zero temperatures. The course itself takes place on the Arctic ice floes, accurately measured and monitored by the skilled team at Polar Running Adventures.
The Arctic Polar Race takes place at a floating ice camp called Barneo, drifting in the immediate vicinity of the Geographic North Pole (GPS coordinates between 89º and 90º North). The camp is set up in April when the sea ice is robust enough for a plane to land following the continuous polar winter nights. I’ll be staying in a heated tent with others taking part and will be taken by helicopter to the exact geographic location for the start of the race. I’m told to expect race temperatures of -25°C to -30°C (or colder!).
Why I’m taking this on…
It’s no secret that I like a challenge—and for the amount of money I’m hoping to raise, I need to take on something more extreme than ever before. Hospices often don’t get the recognition they deserve, despite being a lifeline for so many people. With NHS cuts affecting frontline services, hospices are increasingly stepping in to provide essential care, yet they often operate on limited funding and rely heavily on community support.
My personal mission is to honour my best friend’s memory and give something back to Garden House Hospice, who provided remarkable support to my colleague’s mum and family. Running a Polar Marathon will be a testament to my physical and mental strength and serve as a tribute to anyone who has received hospice care. I hope to inspire people to support my cause and help me reach my fundraising target of £250,000.
My Personal Mission
A few years ago I lost my best friend to pancreatic cancer with his last few months spent in a hospice providing care for him and giving support to his family. Whilst seeing the impact this had I’ve also witnessed the remarkable support Garden House Hospice gave my colleagues mum earlier this year who sadly lost her life.
Garden House Hospice provided a bed and care in her own home so she would be comfortable, this made such a difference to her last days as it does so many other patients they support and provide care for.
I want to honour my best friend’s memory and give something back to Garden House Hospice who did so much for my colleagues mum and family.
Running a Polar Marathon will be a testament to my physical and mental strength and serve as a powerful tribute to anyone who has received hospice care. I also hope to inspire people to support my cause and help me reach my fundraising target of £250,000.
About Garden House Hospice
GHH provides free specialist palliative care for patients, families and carers facing life limiting illnesses from across North Hertfordshire, Stevenage and towns and villages in Central Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, serving a population of around 260,000 people.
Working with their own medical team of highly experienced doctors and nurses, they have specialists in a wide range of roles including complementary physiotherapy, bereavement, occupational therapy, complementary therapy and spiritual care.
It costs £7.7m a year to provide their services, and they need to raise £15,300 every day in charitable income and greatly rely on the support of the community - local businesses, groups and individuals to help fund their work.
How It Works
- Learn about the challenge and Garden House Hospice
- Choose a sponsorship package or donate via GoFundMe
- Follow updates and share to help us reach £250,000
Why It Matters
Your support funds specialist palliative care, providing dignity and comfort for patients and families across our community.
Get Involved
Become a sponsor, contribute services, or connect us with partners who can amplify the impact.