St James Clinic owner Ed Day is preparing for one of his toughest challenges yet of the Lapland Husky Trail, an extraordinary endurance experience in the Arctic Circle, all in aid of Mountbatten Isle of Wight.
The challenge will see Ed face extreme cold, physical exertion and isolation, as he journeys through the frozen landscapes of Lapland alongside huskies. It’s a far cry from clinic life on the Island, but one driven by a cause close to his heart.
Ed has long been a supporter of Mountbatten, recognising the essential role the hospice plays in caring for those with life-limiting illnesses and supporting their families. In recent years, that support has become deeply personal, following the care Mountbatten provided to close friends and loved ones.
“Seeing first-hand the empathy, compassion and dignity they offer showed me just how vital their work is,” Ed explains. “That experience compelled me to do more.”
Alongside his involvement with Isle of Wight Round Table, where he has helped revive major fundraising events such as the Santa Dash, Ed felt driven to step up again. During a visit to a terminally ill friend earlier this year, he learned Mountbatten were seeking participants for the Lapland Husky Trail and immediately knew it was something he had to take on.
Now well into training (and dieting!), Ed describes feeling a mix of reflection and excitement as he prepares. He hopes to witness the Northern Lights, embrace the isolation, and push himself through the physical and mental demands of the journey all while raising vital funds for the hospice.
“I promise I’ll give everything I have to complete this challenge,” says Ed. “I’m sure we have all known or will know someone who needs the care and support Mountbatten provides.”
Ed is now asking for support from everyone who knows him and those who know St James Clinic to help make a real difference.