AN intrepid adventurer has just returned from a gruelling dog sledging challenge in Arctic conditions where she raised £3,500 for a children's charity.

AN intrepid adventurer has just returned from a gruelling dog sledging challenge in Arctic conditions where she raised £3,500 for a children's charity.

Rachel Burrows, 27, from Bacton, near Stowmarket, took part in the seven-day trek in the chilly Norwegian hills to raise funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.

The challenge involved a team of 12 people, and frequently those taking part had to run up steep hills as they followed behind the sledges, and would camp out in the harsh weather.

Miss Burrows, who works for Network Rail, was inspired to raise funds for the hospital because her nine-year-old nephew Nathan Wheatley, from the Reading area, receives treatment there for Sturge Weber Syndrome.

She said: “Nathan was diagnosed at birth with the neurological disorder, which often leads to seizures and learning difficulties.

“Although he now attends school, he still has to make numerous trips to the hospital for check-ups. He's been so brave through it all, and this is why the charity is so close to my heart.

“The challenge was an enormous mental and physical challenge, with tough uphill terrain and extreme climate conditions. But I wanted to do my bit to help.”

Miss Burrows is still collecting money from those who sponsored her trip and hopes the final figure will be in the region of £3,500.

Anyone interested in supporting her fundraising should send a cheque made payable to Great Ormond Street Children's Charity to Mayfield Lodge, Taylors Green, Bacton, Stowmarket, Suffolk. IP14 4LL.