Travis Perkins’ Andrew Craig undertakes Arctic challenge

One of the most prolific charity fundraisers at builders merchant Travis Perkins is taking on his biggest challenge yet. Andrew Craig, an account manager at Travis Perkins Managed Services whose father has dementia, is taking on an Artic Challenge.

Craig, who once climbed Mount Snowdon evey week for a year in aid of a breast cancer charity, will set off onFebruary 20, where he will cover 26 miles across one of the harshest environments on the planet. He will face three days of traversing across the sub-Arctic mountains of Sweden using Nordic Ski techniques.

Several years ago after a mountain biking accident, a scan revealed a shadow on Craig’s kidney, which turned out to be a benign tumour. He also suffered another accident that left him with broken ribs and a collarbone, but those setbacks only strengthened his determination to challenge himself. 

Craig, who has never skied before has had months of training in the lead up to the expedition. He has been training with the expedition leader, Matt Larsson, and expedition veteran Simon Ford to prepare for the challenge.

Craig said: “This is a deeply personal challenge for me. Taking on the sub-Arctic Ski Marathon will be one of the biggest physical and mental challenges I’ve ever faced, pushing my body to its absolute maximum in one of the harshest environments on earth.

“My father lives with dementia, and I’ve seen the devastating impact it can have on individuals and their families. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, a cause that holds a special place in my heart and is Travis Perkins’ chosen charity partner.They provides critical support, care, and research funding to improve the lives of those affected, and I’m honoured to support their mission through this challenge.”

Georgie Davies from Alzheimer’s Society’s Corporate Partnerships Team says: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and over 900,000 people are living with the condition – the need for support has never been greater.

We wish Andrew the best of luck for this incredible challenge he is taking on and can’t wait to hear how he gets on. We would like to say a huge thank you, it is only with the support from incredible supporters like Andrew that Alzheimer’s Society can continue to provide help and hope for those affected by dementia.”

Craig, whose fundraising efforts saw him carry the Olympic torch during its journey to London for the London 2012 Games, is being supported in his challenge by both Travis Perkins Managed Services and KWG Building & Civils Contractor, based in North Wales.

Andrew’s JustGiving page is here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/andrew-craig-9