On the 17th-19th of January 2025, The Arctic Frontier Challenge team completed an unforgettable three-day, 40-mile journey through the frozen wilderness of the Arctic Circle, raising funds for The Joshua Tree. Braving freezing temperatures, hauling heavy sleds, and camping under the stars, the team’s incredible effort will help support families affected by childhood cancers across the North West of England and North Wales.
Rich Driffield, CEO of The Joshua Tree, shared, “The Arctic Trek was an incredible experience and one I will never forget. The scenery was spectacular, and the funds raised will make a real difference. I’m proud of what we achieved together.”
The trek tested every participant’s resilience. Jake Pear, Managing Director of Pear Hospitality described the experience as a “journey that pushed all of us to our limits,” adding, “There were some tough moments, but doing it all for The Joshua Tree gave us the motivation we needed. Crossing the finish line was electric—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
For Matt Hornby, CCO of Foilco and long-time supporters of The Joshua Tree, completed the challenge alongside his brother Paul, “We’ve worked together for 25 years, so to able to take the time out to do this together was really special.” Matt explained how, “It was biggest challenge we’ve undertaken. Any doubts we had we just turned to thoughts of the Joshua Tree, and the difference this fundraising will make.”
Will Cliff, Head of Elite Sport at Franklyn Financial Management, summed up the experience: “The Arctic Trek was an unbelievable experience—friends made for life, stories to tell for years to come. The sights we saw along the way including the scenery, the northern lights and the rainbow pearl clouds were just incredible.”
Chris Baldwin, Operations Director of Pear Hospitality, echoed the sentiment: “Crossing the finishing line was pure joy and relief, made even sweeter by the incredible team spirit we shared throughout the journey.” The trek relied on pushing the team beyond their comfort zone, Chris explained how, “Pulling the pulk was tough, especially during the steep climbs.”
Brad Porter, Personal Coach (@bradp.coaching) and Head of Fire Safety & Facades at Altura Search, dedicated months of training for the Arctic Trek. Reflecting on the toughest moment, he shared: “On day 2, we crossed an enormous lake through beyond-freezing winds. The ground was uneven, snow was consuming our legs up to our knees, and we had no choice but to focus on getting to the end because the lake was too cold to stop.”
He also spoke about the challenges of camping: “It was cold, claustrophobic, however the exhaustion from the day got the better of me.”
As a charity, we rely on grants, donations, and fundraising to keep our vital services running. Raising nearly £100,000 demonstrates the incredible power of teamwork and generosity in ensuring families receive the critical support they need throughout a childhood cancer diagnosis.
If this story has inspired you and you want to be part of something incredible, get in touch! Join a future challenge or support our work by donating at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thejoshuatreearctictrek2025.
