Monday 1 February 2016 With just weeks to go before they attempt to drive non-stop from Cumbria to the Arctic Circle the self-styled Beijing Biddies are training hard to get fit for the challenge. As well as regular physical exercise, Edwina Sorkin (OG63), her friend Kate Sleath, mother of Jenny Sleath (OG01), and the three other members of the team are undertaking a number of team-building exercises and survival courses, including advanced driving, car maintenance, driving in snow and ice and first aid. It is less than two years since 70-year-old Edwina and Kate (65), adopted the name Beijing Biddies and drove to the Chinese capital in just 29 days for charity. Now, the two adventurous fundraisers and their three new teammates will drive to the Arctic Circle in a bid to raise £100,000 for Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support. The five women who make up the Beijing Biddies Arctic Challenge team will set off in two Volvo cars on February 24 to drive 2,700 miles in the toughest winter conditions through Holland, Germany, Sweden and Norway to Nordkapp, 350 miles inside the Arctic Circle. Due to unpredictable weather conditions and possible road closures because of snow, they have no idea how long the trip will take. Temperatures may dip to -40 during the journey and the sun stays below the horizon during the day in winter months. Edwina said: “Our aim is to drive to the Arctic Circle without any overnight stops. At all times we will have two people driving, one person navigating and two people resting or sleeping. “We’ve been told that when a road closes because of bad weather, drivers pull over and wait in a queue for the snow plough to come through, which can take a few hours or a couple of days. It’s going to be tough but that’s the challenge.” As part of their training the women are learning about the dangers of hypothermia and frostbite, how to spot the signs and what to do. They are also driving to the highlands of Scotland at the beginning of February where they will sleep overnight in their two expedition vehicles to give them some idea of what’s in store during the challenge. Edwina, who runs luxury guesthouse Cheskin House in Newbiggin-on-Lune, near Kirkby Stephen, has spent months planning the trip and finding three new teammates, Helen Stobart, Liz Tinkler and Kerrie Ellison. The key to the success of the next project was finding the right people who could commit to undertaking the challenge and the rigorous training in the run-up to it. She said: “I am delighted that Helen, Liz and Kerrie are taking up the challenge. They are all hugely enthusiastic, adventurous and experienced fundraisers and they each bring different strengths to the team, so Kate and I feel very lucky to have them on board.” To help achieve the £100,000 target, the team has launched an online fundraising scheme, Beat Cancer, Buy Miles where people can sponsor a mile for a minimum of £10. All they have to do is click on the steering wheel symbol on the Beijing Biddies website http://www.beijingbiddies.co.uk/ and they will be taken to the team’s Virgin money page. There is also the opportunity to dedicate each mile or leave a message of support for someone special. Edwina said: “This is such a simple way for people to support the team and to own a part of our journey to the Arctic Circle. Miles are selling well and we are extremely grateful to everyone for their generosity.” Pictured are Edwina Sorkin (left) and Kate Sleath with (back L-R) Liz Tinkler, Helen Stobart and Kerrie Ellison. Alumni
