Lynne Hart prepares for a camping trip of a lifetime

She’s a mother of three, she’s never been abroad and has had only one night’s camping experience.

But 35-year-old Lynne Hart, from Sneinton is to undertake a crossing of the Finnmark Plateau in Norway.

Lynne will be one of three novices joining Mike and Fiona Thornewill on their latest expedition in March of this year.

The trek will take them from the town of Alta over the tundra and frozen lakes to the town of Karasjok. The total journey is a distance of 120 km, which will involve hauling sledges in temperatures as low as 29C.

Lynne Hart met Mike and Fiona Thornewill, through her partner Ian, who works for the couple. The idea of taking Lynne into hostile conditions does seem like a recipe for disaster. However, Mike Thornewill doesn’t have any doubts about her adapting to the harsh climate. In fact he’s adamant she’ll be fine.

Lynne tackles the hills with ease

His confidence in Lynne’s ability came from a camping trip in the Lake District. The conditions weren’t exactly Arctic, but it was still extremely windy, enough to put anyone off pitching a tent again.

She wasn’t phased by anything, she often trudged ahead of the team with her 30lb backpack.

Lynne showed Mike that she has “enormous determination”, which he believes was born from coping as a single mother. Mike added, “you can teach skills, but you can’t teach personality”. It seems Lynne has it in abundance.

The split from her husband became a turning point in her life. She now feels like a “woman unleashed” determined to do lots of exciting things. Lynne’s 4-year-old twins are excited, and her 16-year-old son, although anxious, is also happy for her. She is apprehensive about the low temperatures, but absolutely positive she’ll complete the trip of a lifetime.

Lynne takes in the view

Lynne feels she has got to the point in her life when she needs to feel like she’s accomplished something. She says “apart from raising my children, I don’t feel I’ve achieved anything in my life”. The trip will certainly be a massive achievement for anyone.

Lynne will be in good hands. Mike and Fiona Thornewill are know the world over for their ambitious expeditions to the North and South Poles.

The adventurers are looking to raise a minimum of £1000 for the NSPCC, and fund-raising fever has spread to the Jesse Boot School which Lynne’s children attend. They are having a non-uniform day in celebration of the Norway trip. The menu that day includes fish, ice buns and Arctic roll!

Lynne and her partner Ian still need sponsorship in order to buy items for the trip, so sponsors are encouraged to come forward.