A GP is preparing for a challenging Arctic expedition to raise funds for Stockton’s Butterwick Hospice.
Dr Matt Garget, of Eppleby, aims to raise £3,600 to help ensure the hospice can continue to provide specialist care for those who need it.
The Butterwick Hospice’s work in improving the quality of life for those with a progressive life limiting illness, and those close to them, relies largely on donations.
Dr Garget is raising sponsorship to take part in an ultimate survival challenge, spending one week living in sub-zero temperatures 150km south of the Arctic Circle.
“I’ve been privileged to see first-hand the amazing work that the Butterwick Hospice does in the local communities,” said Dr Garget. “So I was delighted to be accepted for the Arctic Challenge to help support it.”
In March 2019 he’ll receive training in how to stay alive in such an extreme environment, then immediately put his new skills to the test.
He added: “The first part of the challenge is about adjusting to life in the extreme environment and learning how to get around, find food, light fires and build shelters.”
Then he will be cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling. For dinner he will be ice-fishing and lighting a fire to cook anything he manages to catch.
Accommodation will range from a self-constructed shelter to a hole in the snow.
“The Butterwick has been an invaluable resource to many of my patients and their families, and it’s also a wonderful resource for medical professionals in the area,” said Dr Garget.
Having pledged to raise such an ambitious sum, Dr Garget is arranging a series of fundraising events. All money raised will help to safeguard the exceptional level of specialist care and support provided by the Butterwick Hospice to local patients and their families.
To find out more or sponsor his Arctic challenge, visit: http://bit.ly/DrMatttotheArctic
