Join Westminster Challenge to explore the mysteries of the Orient for an unforgettable 10 days trekking the Great Wall of China. Discover hidden areas of the Wall, trek up ancient steps and through local villages and see breathtaking views from the most incredible man-made feat of all time.
Westminster Challenge are looking for members of all political parties to join us for this journey. Acting as a link between the political and charitable worlds, Westminster Challenge was created in 2006 to engage political activists in the work of UK charities and fundraises on their behalf.
If you are interested in receiving further details, please email sarah.goodwin@westminsterchallenge.org.
The full information pack will be available to download from this section shortly. Please email our project co-ordinator at sarah.goodwin@westminsterchallenge.org if you would like an information pack sent to you immediately.
The Westminster Arctic Challenge 2007:
Day 8 –Friday 16 February
The Return Home
Our team have finally crossed the finish line after trekking over 300km across the Arctic Wilderness.
GMTV
MPs Tobias Ellwood and Jenny Willott are joined by the Polar explorer Patrick Woodhead on GMTV’s Sunday Program
MPs Emily Thornberry, Jenny Willott, Ed Vaizey & Tobias Ellwood meet the dogs before beginning their husky dog training
Click here to read how it went!
Support
“I am full of admiration for the Westminster Challenge team. None of us can imagine what they will face when they reach the Arctic, but to endure this expedition in the name of charity and to bring the political and charitable worlds closer together is an aim we can all support. I would like to wish every member of the team the very best of luck”
Stephen Castle, President of the National Conservative Convention and Member of the Party Board, wishes the team well.
“I am very much looking forward to meeting the team when they arrive in Helsinki at the start of their expedition. They face a truly challenging task that will highlight not just the need for urgent action to combat the effects of climate change, but also the commitment and dedication of Westminster parliamentarians to support charities and good causes through their own hard work.
The very best of luck to all members of the team.”
Dr Valerie Caton, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Finland
“I would like to send the Westminster Challenge team my very best wishes for this expedition. The work of Westminster Challenge and the dedication of those participating on this trek is tremendous and I look forward to congratulating them upon their return. Good luck!”
His Excellency Vygaudas Usackas, Lithuanian Ambassador to St. James’s Court has offered his full support:
To see more messages of support please click here
Jenny Willott MP trains for the Arctic with Flt Sgt Ruddy Farquharson
Click here to read how it went!
THE ARCTIC TREK
From 9th – 16th February 2007 a cross-party team of intrepid Members of the House of Commons take on the Arctic.
The team will travel in excess of 400 kilometres across Norway, Finland and Sweden powered by Husky dog sled. They will face temperatures as low as -40 and will undertake a number of tasks along the way including igloo building and ice-fishing.
To read more about the Arctic Trek click here.
THE CHARITIES
The three principal charities to be supported by the inaugural challenge are Crimestoppers, The Children’s Society and Cancer Research UK. In addition, each MP will nominate a local charity to benefit from the fundraising work of Westminster Challenge.
To read more about the charities click here.
THE FUTURE
Westminster Challenge plans to arrange a major expedition every two years.
To read more about the future plans of the organisation click here.
Westminster Challenge is delighted to donate the walking distance they amassed during the Arctic Challenge to the International Brain Tumour Alliance’s Walk Around the World for Brain Tumours campaign
The International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA) was established during the conference of the World Federation of Neuro Oncology held at Edinburgh (UK) in May 2005. It seeks to be an alliance of the support, advocacy and information groups for brain tumour patients and carers in different countries and also includes researchers, scientists, clinicians and allied health professionals who work in the area of brain tumours.
To read more please visit:
IBTA
Hosted by HE Vygaudas Usackas, Lithuanian Ambasssador to The Court of St James
To welcome back our intrepid team of explorers HE Vygaudas Usackas hosted a welcome back reception, welcoming Westminster Challenge to The Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania.
Joined by the Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish Ambassadors to London, Ambassador Usackas congratulated them team on all their impressive achievement.
From Left: Patrick Costello, Jenny Willott MP, Phil Pyatt, Richard Stephenson, HE Vygaudas Usackas, Emily Thornberry MP, Martin Field, Merrilees Parker, Tobias Ellwood MP, Chris Golding
