It was a challenge unlike any other.
But Marsh decorator Chris Cassidy has successfully completed the world’s toughest and most infamous challenge, while raising £820 for the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.
And he did so despite losing movement in his hands
The Yukon Arctic Ultra challenge involves trekking 100 miles across Canada’s frozen desert, battling temperatures of down to -50 degrees.
The 24-year-old is thought to be one of the youngest people to attempt the challenge, which must be completed within 72 hours.
Stoic Chris managed it in just 48 hours - despite struggling in the sub-zero temperatures, with his hands at one point losing movement from the cold.
He said: “The Yukon Arctic Ultra was definitely the most challenging race I’ve done to date.
“Racing in such an extreme environment can cause so many problems.
“I raced well, sitting second on the leaderboard until a slight injury made me slow my pace.
“I then had problems with the cold affecting the movement in my hands.
“I had to be held at a checkpoint until full movement was back. I was happy they held me as other competitors were evacuated from the course with frostbite.”
Chris was looked after by former Huddersfield residents and ex-pat couple Maggie and Rick Griffiths.
Chris added: “Definitely the hardest thing was sleeping out on the trail. I had to do two nights in temperatures hovering around -30 degrees. The locals were calling this mild for the time of year.”
Chris’s family and friends, as well as the children’s hospice, followed his progress through a live tracker which streamed his movements onto social media.
Lynsey Marshall, Community Fundraiser at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice said: “The Yukon Arctic Challenge is renowned as being one of the toughest challenges in the world and for Chris to take it on in aid of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice is truly incredible.
“We understand that these events take months of preparation and we would like to say a huge thank you to Chris for his great efforts in supporting our charity.”
