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.