AN Anglesey vet will brave extreme terrain and conditions during the biggest challenge of her life.
Emma Bayman will be part of a 10-strong team tackling the Arctic Survival Challenge to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.
Cross-country skiing, ice fishing, husky sledding and snowmobiling are among the challenging activities that await in the Swedish provinces of Jämtland and Härjedalen.
The harsh environment, where temperatures can dip as low as -30C, will test her survival instinct, while also providing the opportunity to enjoy the peace, tranquillity and beauty of the frozen wilderness and starry skies.
Emma, who has worked as a small animal vet at Bodrwnsiwn Veterinary Practice in Mona for six years, and many clients of the surgery have helped her to raise more than £1,000 for the Royal British Legion.
She flies out to Ostersund in Jämtland next Sunday for the start of the eight-day adventure.
After fours days’ acclimatising, the survival phase begins when participants have to build a shelter out of twigs and branches and dig a snow hole to sleep in on the final night.
Emma says she is most looking forward to driving a team of four huskeys and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights, but she is under no illusions how demanding the trip will be.
“It is going to be both physically and mentally challenging, but it’s also going to be very exciting,” she said.
“We will be staying in a hut, with no electricity and just basic amenities, just outside the Arctic Circle for the first few nights and then the challenge begins.
“It is going to be a fantastic experience and, as my husband was in the Air Force, the charity means something to us. Clients at the practice have been so supportive by helping me to raise funds, although I am self-funding the trip.”
Emma lives in Anglesey with her husband Phil and their two daughters.
Link to her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emma-bayman