Bristol Folk Set to Trek for Charity
February 2, 2005
A pair of Bristol townsfolk will be donning their boots and collecting up their skis for charity when they attempt to conquer Canada’s Great Bear Lake, later this month.
Mark Gooding who lives in Easton and Jo Awcock from St Werburghs, are taking part in the challenge of a lifetime and will be joining six fellow explorers. They aim to complete the first ever foot crossing of the frozen lake which spans 12,275 square miles.
Their efforts will raise much need funds for national charity, The British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).
Mark explains; “The reason for this trip is primarily to raise money for a worthwhile charity but it also gives us the opportunity to realise a dream of Arctic travel. Part of the challenge is to test our own personal endurance in such an extreme environment.”
Over the past 10 months Mark and Jo have been put through their paces with a tailor-made fitness and training programme designed to help build stamina and strength. The programme has included working out in the gym, swimming, cycling and even pulling tyres to simulate pulling a pulk.
Jo Awcock and Mark Gooding have special reason for wanting to take part in the challenge for charity - they work for the UK’s leading independent foster care agency, Foster Care Associates Ltd (FCA). Mark, an education liaison officer and Jo, who is office manager, are based at the western regional office of FCA, on Whiteladies Road, Bristol.
Anyone wishing to make donation to BAAF in support of Jo and Mark’s Arctic challenge can go online and log on to www.baaf.org.uk or contact BAAF directly on telephone 0207 593 2003.
