Ambulance volunteer's 5,000-mile Arctic challenge

An ambulance volunteer will face temperatures as low as -30C (-22F) when he takes on a 5,000-mile (8,046km) expedition across the Arctic Circle.

Cris Wiles, from Market Lavington in Wiltshire, will drive a 40-year-old Land Rover Defender on his challenge, which will raise money for The South Western Ambulance Charity.

Part of a wider team, he will sleep in roof tents and rely on diesel heaters to keep warm.

Wiles, a volunteer community first responder with South Western Ambulance Service, leaves on Thursday and said: "This isn't a holiday, it's a test of endurance, resilience and sheer determination. I'm taking on this challenge because I believe in helping people when they need it most."

He will travel through the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, covering daily distances of up to 350 miles (563km).

Wiles' journey through some of the harshest conditions on the planet will take place alongside The Orange Defender Team; a group of specialists who have completed similar challenges before.

Throughout three years volunteering with the ambulance service, Wiles has responded to cardiac arrests, respiratory distress, severe trauma, and other life-threatening emergencies.

The "intense and humbling" experiences remind him every day of why the NHS and pre-hospital care are so vital, he said.

He added: "The expedition is completely self-funded, so every penny donated will go directly to the South Western Ambulance Charity, helping to provide vital equipment and training for community first responders who save lives every day."

Louise Walsh, the charity's fundraising manager, said the money he raised would make a huge contribution to local emergency services.

"We're incredibly thankful to Cris for his continued support and the amazing work he does to strengthen our community," she added.

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