Who takes part in our challenges?

Individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life will be taking part in the Challenge. Anyone can enter, male or female, young or old, as long as they are over 18 years of age. This event will be demanding, but it is not designed for athletes and it will not be a race.

 

What past participants have said:

 

“I loved the sledding, the dogs, the scenery, my team mates, the huts, the northern lights - in fact all of it, even the cold surprisingly. And what made it all the better was knowing that as a result of the trip I’d raised a stack of money to go to a really good cause.”
Katharine, 2005

 

“The challenge was physically demanding, emotionally stirring and mentally cleansing - I returned with an amazing sense of well-being (and some new friends!).”
Rob, 2004

 

What does my sponsorship target include?

 

To register for the Arctic Dog Sled Challenge you must commit to raising a minimum of £3,000. This amount covers all of your travel costs, which currently stand at £2,050 and include your return flight from London, all taxes, accommodation, most meals and refreshments, expedition leader and local guide. When you register on the Challenge, you will be sent a breakdown of sponsorship instalment dates.

 

How can I reach the sponsorship target?

 

When you register to take part in the Arctic Dog Sled Challenge, you will be sent a joiners pack with fundraising advice to help you meet your goal. We have a dedicated fundraising team who will support you in reaching your target. An A-Z of fundraising ideas, tips from past Challenge participants and a sample sponsorship letter will all help get you started.

 

Ian, an ex fireman and member of the Arson Task Force in Birmingham, raised over £5000 in just a matter of weeks. Here’s what he said about getting sponsorship:

 

“I never thought I would be able to raise this amount in such a short amount of time, but I was absolutely astounded by people’s responses to this challenge – my son’s school did a ’wear what you want’ day and my local pub even asked for sponsorship when anyone bought a pint!”

 

What else should I budget for?

 

You must have full travel insurance (this can be provided by Voyage Concepts Ltd and details will be provided upon registration). Extra money is needed for lunch and dinner on day 7, drinks, souvenirs and additional activities, such as snowmobiling. Transport to and from the departure airport in the UK is not included.

 

How fit do I have to be?

 

This trip will be action packed, fun and exciting, offering many once in a lifetime experiences. You may encounter extreme cold temperatures and working together as a team and with the dogs can be tiring. This Arctic adventure is a truly spectacular challenge in every sense and the fitter and more prepared you are, the more you will get out of the experience. We will send you a joining pack with training advice.

 

Why support us? (please also see why us)

 

The birth of a child with cerebral palsy or the onset of a motor disability in later years is a life changing experience for a person and their family. Many people are left feeling frightened, uncertain and not knowing what the future holds. They will be told about the inevitability of the condition that will begin to control their lives. Conductive Education offers hope and positive action during these worrying times – we offer a way to stop this inevitability.

 

“I used to dream of a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Of course it would still be nice, but I don’t think about a cure anymore, Conductive Education has helped me look to the future. I feel lucky to be able to come here, I only wish more people could benefit.”
Vince

 

“It makes a huge difference that, since coming to CE, Luke has now learnt to nod his head for ‘yes’ and put his head to the side for ‘no’ – before he just didn’t communicate at all. It’s as if Conductive Education has helped Luke find the will to try.”
Sarah, mother of Luke, aged 5 who has cerebral palsy

 

The Foundation for Conductive Education is a national charity based in Birmingham. We provide vital services to both children and adults with incurable movement disabilities such as cerebral palsy, dyspraxia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, strokes and head injuries. Conductive Education (CE) teaches life changing skills that allow disabled individuals to fulfil their potential and become as independent as possible.

 

The National Institute of Conductive Education is the Foundation’s flagship centre in Birmingham. Here we offer not only CE services, but also training, awareness raising and research. Through us, CE is expanding, allowing it to be accessed by more disabled people in the UK than ever. At present we are the only place in the UK that integrates CE with the National Curriculum and Pre School Early learning goals thus providing a unique type of schooling for those with disabilities.

 

To take part in the Arctic Dog Sled Challenge:

 

If you wish to take part in the Arctic Dog Sled Challenge, then please contact the fundraising team for an application pack.

 

Please do not begin collecting your sponsorship money until you have registered and received your letter of authority to fundraise on behalf of the Foundation for Conductive Education.

 

If you have any further questions, then please do not hesitate to contact the events fundraiser on 0121 449 1569.