TWO determined fundraisers have braved sub-zero temperatures, frozen lakes and rivers, and sleeping in a tent to raise more than £10,500 for charity.
Becs Miller and Alison Wilson swapped Sunny Dunny for freezing Finland in aid of children’s charity When You Wish Upon a Star.
The duo have spent the last 13 months preparing to step out of their comfort zone and conquer the frozen wilderness of the Arctic Circle.
Now back on home soil, they have presented a cheque for £10,782.91 to the Musselburgh-based good cause, which grants wishes for children aged between four and 16 who are living with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.
Becs Miller (right) and Alison Wilson have raised more than £10,000 for When You Wish Upon a Star. Image: Alasdair Ross Photography
Becs and Alison, who both live in Dunbar, said: “Taking on a challenge is always exciting and focuses the mind.
“The trek itself was very challenging but, in the tough moments, thinking about the difference we are making through the fundraising made it all worthwhile.
“If anyone is considering something to push their boundaries, we would recommend this every time.”
Bringing the Dunbar community together to support their fundraising and awareness, the ladies hosted a family fun day at the Dunbar Battery, a casino night at the Harbour Chapel, local bucket collections, and found corporate and trust support, with generous donations from Middlemiss & Associates, 4J Studios and BeGreen Dunbar.
Becs Miller (left) and Alison Wilson covered more than 60 kilometres to reach their 'Finnish Line'. Image: Roll Outdoors
The town’s Rotary club also invited them and the charity to share their experience in the Arctic and the importance of making magic and memories for local families who are facing the toughest of times.
Becs, who works as a personal trainer and is a member of Dunbar’s RNLI crew, and Alison, whose husband Paul Muspratt is also a member of the life-saving charity’s crew, spent three days trekking through snow.
Earlier this year, the friends set off to the Arctic Circle in northern Finland, where they completed a 65km trek out of Rovaniemi and into the Arctic wilderness.
Pulling all their own equipment using expedition pulks, crossing over frozen rivers and lakes, and sleeping in tents, they endured temperatures down to -30°C.
The trip was organised by North Berwick event management company Breaking Strain, which has successfully delivered 25 Arctic treks.
Becs Miller and Alison Wilson battled through freezing temperatures to complete their challenge. Image: Roll Outdoors
After three days trekking, Becs and Alison crossed the ‘Finnish Line’ and completed the Arctic Wish Trek.
Judith King, Scotland regional fundraiser at When You Wish Upon a Star, was delighted with the efforts.
She said: “We have the wonderful honour of meeting Scotland’s most brave and deserving children and their families when they are going through the toughest of times.
“The Arctic Trek challenges you every step that you take from the moment you sign up, to getting trek ready, fundraising for our wish-granting work, awareness of our work to then stepping out on the frozen river in the Arctic Circle.
“It is an incredible moment knowing that your starting position on the trek is next to the hotel that, a month before, our wish families have met Santa and have had a magical and important day together.
Becs Miller and Alison Wilson battled through freezing temperatures to complete their challenge. Image: Roll Outdoors
“A wish has the power to transform lives when our families might not have thought it could be possible.
“The effect of a child’s illness is felt both emotionally and financially, often one or both parents have to give up work.
“We are a vital source of support and, from these experiences, strength is drawn, courage built and the resilience to carry on.
“A wish allows illnesses to be put on hold, is an escapism from routines, supports rehabilitation, sensory needs and mental health for all the family.
“We are incredibly thankful to Rebecca and Alison for their support over the last 13 months; they have raised a phenomenal amount of vital funds for our wish-granting work.
“We thank family, friends, businesses and the local communities who kindly supported them and donated so generously.
“We proudly have them part of our wish family in Scotland.”
To make a donation, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Arctictrek2024
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