In just over a weeks’ time, 11 brave individuals will be flying out to Sweden to take on the challenge of Bobath Wales’ first Scandinavian Snow Trek.
Over the course of 5 days the team, led by seasoned professionals from Breaking Trail and Sweden Outdoors Coaching, will trek across 36km of snow, ice and steep climbs exploring the Jamtland Triangle all in aid of Bobath Wales. Together, the trekkers have already raised an incredible £8,000 and have completed several training days in preparation for their Scandinavian Snow Trek adventure.
The team includes 3 parents whose children receive specialist treatment at Bobath Wales, one of whom is mum, Kirsty Hougham. After spending time at the therapy centre with her son Isaac, age 2, who has cerebral palsy Kirsty decided to take up the challenge of the snow trek as a way of saying ‘Thank you’ for all the hard work that the therapists at the centre have put into Isaac’s therapy blocks so far – as well as aspiring to do something motiving for her son.
“I wanted to do something that was physically challenging” Kirsty explains, “I often see Isaac struggle to do certain physical activities and I want him to know that it’s OK if you can’t do things as easily as everyone else as long as you keep going and keep trying. Determination has got him this far and I’m going to need a lot of that to complete this challenge!”
But Kirsty won’t have to tackle the Swedish wilderness on her own, as accompanying her on the Trek will be her dad, Kevin Hougham and cousin, Adam Bush. Isaac has been giving his mum a little helping hand with her training, taking the place of her ‘backpack’ whilst she walked in Forest Fawr, exploring the woods and sculpture trail. The thought of being on a trek with others who are determined to fundraise for Bobath Wales and are thankful for the work that they do, as Kirsty and her family are, is what motivates her the most.
“As amazing as this experience will be I also understand that it’s not going to be easy and I will be thinking of Isaac to get me through those final few miles” admits Kirsty. “I also want to wish everyone who is also embarking on this challenge ‘Good Luck’ and I can’t wait to see you all at the airport very soon!”
Bobath Wales’ Events Manager, Caroline Davies would like to extend her ‘Good Luck’ wishes to all our 2019 Trekkers as they prepare to set off on their expedition next week. “From all of us here at Bobath Wales, thank you so much for taking on this epic challenge in aid of children who have cerebral palsy. As a charity we need to raise £1.5million every year to keep our centre running. Around ¾ of this total comes from donations, gifts in Wills, retail and fundraising activity such as this Scandinavian Snow Trek and quite simply we couldn’t continue the work we do without the generosity and support of people like Kirsty and her family.”
