Westminster Challenge launches to involve politicians in charitable work

An intrepid cross-party group of Members of Parliament is about to embark on a challenge of a lifetime by husky dog sled. Far from the comfort of the Palace of Westminster, the MPs will travel 400 kilometres across the Arctic Circle to raise cash for charity.

Taking place next February, the Westminster Arctic Challenge is the first expedition of a new cross-party organisation called Westminster Challenge, which launches today (24 July 2006). Established by a group of young professionals from across the political divide, Westminster Challenge aims to engage politicians directly in the work of charities in the UK and plans to run two MP challenges during each Parliament.

Nick Clegg (LD), Tobias Ellwood (Con), Emily Thornberry (Lab), Ed Vaizey (Con), and Jenny Willott (LD) will be donning their snow-suits and trekking through Finland, Sweden and Norway to the Tri-nations Border to raise much-needed funds for Crimestoppers, Cancer Research UK and The Children’s Society. Each MP will also nominate a constituency-based charity to benefit.

This trek is no easy feat for those taking up the challenge. Not only will they endure temperatures reaching as low as minus 40 degrees, they will be expected to feed, clean and care for their team of husky dogs, build igloos and ice huts in which to sleep and catch their own fish to survive.

Nick Clegg, MP for Sheffield, Hallam, representing the MP team, said: “This is such a fantastic opportunity and we are very excited about the trek. We know it is going to be gruelling and that our fitness and stamina will be put to the test, but it’s worth every aching muscle and chilblain because the money raised will go to help a number of good causes. We will be spending time with the benefiting charities before the expedition to gain a better understanding of their work in the community.

“We believe it is crucial that Parliamentarians get behind charities and support the work they do and we will be encouraging our fellow MPs to do so.”

Richard Stephenson, founder of Westminster Challenge, said, “We are delighted to have received a great deal of support from senior members of both the Houses of Parliament and the corporate world to date. The idea behind Westminster Challenge is to bring politics and charities together. Engaging MPs in charitable work, and encouraging them to get out there and raise funds, is something that will benefit and complement the fantastic work charities already do. We are very excited to be launching our first expedition, which will do just that. ”

The Westminster Arctic Challenge will depart on 9th February 2007. The team is comprised of five cross-party MPs, representatives from our three principal charities; Crimestoppers, The Children’s Society and Cancer Research UK.

To get involved or sponsor anyone taking part in the challenge, log on to www.westminsterchallenge.org. To donate £3 via your mobile phone text ‘ice’ to 84858.

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Notes to editors:

For further information or to interview an MP taking part in the challenge please call Liz Taite on 07879 625 446 for further information.

The Westminster Arctic Challenge

The object of the challenge is to drive a team of huskies into the wilderness above the Arctic circle, with the added challenge of crossing three country borders: Finland, Norway and Sweden. This will test stamina and physical strength while battling with the chilling temperatures of the Arctic.

The challenge begins in Finland and heads north towards the Swedish border. It cross the River Torne into Sweden and continues northwards following the river as far as the Tri Nation Stone which marks the meeting point of the three countries: Sweden, Norway & Finland.

The Westminster Challenge was created to engage MPs in the work of UK charities and to fundraise on their behalf. The organisation is a link between the political and charitable worlds, promoting the work of each with the other and the general public.
The Trustees of The Westminster Challenge, which is incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee, have submitted an application to the Charities Commission for registration of charitable status.

Our principal charities

Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers, founded by Lord Ashcroft KCMG, Chairman of Trustees, is the only charity dedicated to solving crimes and taking criminals off the streets. It provides the 0800 555 111 number where people can give information about crime anonymously. Calls are never traced or recorded and callers do not have to give evidence in court. Since Crimestoppers began in 1988, it has received over 800,000 calls with useful information, resulting in over 70,000 arrests. Crimestoppers also runs the Most Wanted website www.mostwanted-uk.org where people can give information anonymously about suspected criminals across the UK. Around 18 people are arrested and charged every day thanks to Crimestoppers. One person is charged with murder every week, as a result of anonymous information given to the charity.
For further information about the charity’s work contact 020 8254 3200 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Cancer Research UK

• Together with its partners and supporters, Cancer Research UK’s vision is to beat cancer.
• Cancer Research UK carries out world-class research to improve understanding of the disease and find out how to prevent, diagnose and treat different kinds of cancer.
• Cancer Research UK ensures that its findings are used to improve the lives of all cancer patients.
• Cancer Research UK helps people to understand cancer, the progress that is being made and the choices each person can make.
• Cancer Research UK works in partnership with others to achieve the greatest impact in the global fight against cancer.
  For further information about Cancer Research UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please call 020 7009 8820 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.uk.

  The Children’s Society
  The Children’s Society is a national children’s charity working with over 50,000 children and teenagers every year, in 90 towns and cities. It works in partnership with communities, schools and families. It helps: children at risk on the streets; children in trouble with the law; young refugees; children with disabilities. It is a voluntary organisation of the Church of England.
  Visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk or call the press office on 020 7841 4422

  For further information on this press release call Liz Taite on 07879 625 446 or email liz.taite@westminsterchallenge.org