Intrepid team of adventurers complete Arctic challenge to raise money for causes across UHCW

A group of 14 intrepid adventurers survived three nights in sub-zero temperatures to raise more than £20,000 for our patients and their families.

Funds raised by participants of the Arctic Challenge will support their chosen departments within University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, supported by UHCW Charity.

The team, made up of UHCW staff and UHCW Charity supporters, put their survival skills to the test by spending three nights sleeping outside in the Swedish wilderness.

After acclimatising to the cold, they learned how to chop down trees, make fires to boil snow for water and sleep in a tepee, before using tree trunks and branches to build shelters ready for their next night.

The next phase saw them even more exposed to the elements, digging a snow hole to sleep in and braving icy cold temperatures as low as -20C.

“It was really, really hard but also one of the best things I have ever done,” said Dr Amie Burbridge, a Consultant in Acute Medicine.

“Sleeping in a frozen sleeping bag was really tough. The nearest town was miles away but the scenery and sky were beautiful.

“We had a lot of fun; I haven’t laughed as much in years. There was lots of singing and dancing, it really got people out of their shells - and kept us warm at the same time!”

With no access to electricity or running water, the group were pushed both physically and mentally to their limits.

But the determination to make things better for our patients and their families spurred them on during a never-to-be-forgotten experience.

UHCW Charity Director Jo O’Sullivan said: "It was such a great group that really supported each other and everyone pulled together to cope with the freezing overnight temperatures.

"The incredible work of our teams at UHCW save lives every day - I am always bowled over by their hard work and dedication and that kept us going.

“A huge thank you to everyone who took part and to those who sponsored our amazing participants - those donations will have a huge impact.”

Fancy taking on a fundraising challenge? Click here to learn more about UHCW Charity and upcoming events.