Derriford doctors prepare for mighty 150km Arctic run

Three military junior doctors from Derriford Hospital will face a challenge of a lifetime next month when they take part in the Arctic Winter Race, Rovaniemi 150.

Next month, representing all three of the armed services, Flight Lieutenant Michael Thompson, Surgeon Lieutenant Alex Bamford and Captain George Graham, will travel to Lapland to take part in the gruelling challenge, which takes place between 14-16 February 2014.

The challenge will see the trio run/trek across 150km of Northern Finland, pulling all of their necessary kit in a traditional pulka, in aid of a leading UK charity specialising in the care of veterans’ mental health, Combat Stress.

Temperatures are forecast to be anywhere between -20C and -30C.

Flight Lieutenant Michael Thompson, explains: “On the 14th February 2014, we'll be setting off on a 150km footrace in the Arctic Circle. With temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius and only 42 hours to complete the race, this will be a huge challenge.

“Currently there are only 20 applicants for the foot race and last year’s completion rate was less than 50%. As you can see, we are really up against it. Since we will be pushing ourselves to such physical and mental extremes, we have decided to raise funds for Combat Stress, a leading UK charity, which specialises in the care of Veterans’ mental health and is currently supporting more than 5,200 ex-service men and women.”

If you are interested in supporting the trio, donations can be made via their justgiving page: www.justgiving.com/TEAMS/ARCTIC-ULTRA