previous challenge

Beatbullying fundraiser: 600km crossing, Greenland ice cap

This is a fully self funded, personal initiative. 100% of donations and sponsorship goes to the BeatBullying charity.

…well, my Mum always said I never did things by halves, and taking on something of this magnitude and attempting to cross the WORLD’S SECOND LARGEST ICE SHEET, otherwise known as the ‘third pole’, has not helped in calming her nerves.

Have no doubts, this is an arctic expedition in every sense. Climbing to around 2,500m’s, pulling an 80kg+ pulka, taking around 4-5wks to complete and is not without serious risks either – frost bite, katabatic winds and arctic storms, crevasses, (and not jokingly) potential polar bear attacks…

Fun, huh?

In all seriousness though, I do genuinely feel quite excited about the challenge, and cannot wait for the day when I am standing on the edge of the ice cap, surrounded by a winter wonderland, watching our helicopter depart off into the distance.

WHY AM I DOING THIS?

Well, simply put this is something big to give something back, and a trip of this magnitude gives me a unique opportunity to really grab peoples attention and do something for a cause I feel very strongly about: ANTI-BULLYING.

No-one should have to put up with being tormented, teased, or made to feel they are worth less than anyone else. The sad thing about bullying too is when you strip back the bravado of the ‘bully-er’, you will usually find a scared, hurt and insecure individual who is silently calling out for help themselves.

WHAT DO I HOPE TO ACHIEVE?

To be honest, I’m hoping the risks bring the rewards, and the best reward I could ask is raising awareness of the fantastic work BEATBULLYING do, who are the charity that I am championing the cause for, and as you no doubt have guessed, to try raise some much needed funding to help them continue the incredible work they do.

….and it is because of their incredible work I have taken the initiative of doing this expedition, and would greatly appreciate your SPONSORSHIP and help in passing the word on to others who may be willing to show their support too.

To be clear though, there are no guarantees on this trip, a lot can still happen both now and during. But I will do everything I can to raise peoples awareness, reach my fund raising target and not let you or the BEATBULLYING team down. …if I come back from the trip in one piece too that would be nice.

WHY ANTI BULLYING

On a personal level I do get very upset, and at times quite angry when I see, hear or read of instances of bullying. It is just not right. I hate the fact that someone would knowingly take advantage of or cause pain – be it physical or emotional – to someone who does not have the strength or ability to stand up for themselves.

I do wish I could be there on those occasions, not so much as to stand up to the person doing the bullying, but more to give support and strength to the person being bullied. To stoke a fire inside them, and make them realise they are just as good as anyone else and don’t have to let other people affect them. That they can rise above it all and see bullying for the childish antics it is.

For me, bullying is just fundamentally wrong. It is not right that anyone should have to put up with such intentional malice being inflicted upon them.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Please take the time to visit my JUSTGIVING page to sponsor me on this endeavour, and to be clear: 100% of money raised goes directly to BEATBULLYING. I have refused and am receiving no financial help or incentives for this undertaking, this is a 100% fully self funded, personal initiative. You will also see shortly a chart detailing exactly what money raised will be going towards to allay any concerns of how the money will be used. I have set quite a high target, but for an endeavour of this magnitude I have to aim for the stars.

BE PART OF THE ADVENTURE

DON’T BE SHY! Sign up to Glacierblues and follow my adventures! I will be posting updates on preparations, training and more as the big day aproaches, including my shorter 10 day training SPRENGISANDUR expedition into the heart of Iceland on 20th March, 2014 (quite an arduous trip in itself!). During the Iceland trip I will be testing my equipment and systems out, and making sure everything is in order for the big one – better to discover any problems with equipment or otherwise in Iceland than Greenland!

In the meantime, thank you in advance for all donations and sponsorship, I will need all the help I can get to reach my target, and every little helps, with all the littles adding to a lot. Just a couple of minutes at my JUSTGIVING page is all it takes.

SPREAD THE WORD! FAMILY, FRIENDS, EVEN FOES!

I would also encourage you to take a couple of minutes to visit the BEATBULLYING website at some point too. It is very well structured, easy to read, and I am sure the work they do against bullying will strike a chord with you the same it did me.

Thank you again for your support, I look forward to keeping in touch and updating you as the big day approaches, but for now…

Keep on smiling!

ANT