A young volunteer is swapping leafy South West London for the frozen wilderness of Swedish Lapland as she takes on a gruelling fundraising challenge for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Sophie Bex will take part in SSAFA’s Warrior Challenge Lapland in January, completing a 50-kilometre trek across hostile Arctic terrain and raising funds to support serving military personnel, veterans, and their families.
For 25-year-old Sophie, who lives in Putney, the Armed Forces community has always been close to her heart. She grew up as a military child, moving between bases throughout the UK while her dad, Colonel (Rtd) Gareth Bex OBE (pictured), served as an Ammunition Technical Officer with 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.
She has kept up her military connection into adulthood, balancing full-time work in Central London with her role as a Community Engagement Volunteer with SSAFA’s London South West Branch. She has also recently passed assessment to become an Army Reservist and hopes to join 101 Military Working Dog Squadron as a dog handler.
Though she’s a keen recreational runner, Sophie said SSAFA’s Warrior Challenge Lapland will be an endurance adventure unlike any she has taken on before.
“Lapland will be the hardest thing I have ever done,” she admitted. “I’m nervous about it, but I know it will be an incredible challenge.”
Sophie said her connection to the Armed Forces community makes the challenge even more poignant.
“I was aware of SSAFA through my dad’s service, and now through my own role with SSAFA I have seen first-hand the wonderful impact the charity has on members of the Armed Forces community and their families,” Sophie said. “The challenge feels really special; every time someone donates I actually get quite emotional.
“I’m just really happy to be doing something to help members of the Armed Forces community in their time of need – and I couldn’t think of a more exciting way to do it than taking on the ice and snow of Lapland.”
Sophie is targeting £1,500 for SSAFA and is more than halfway towards her goal. To donate, visit Sophie’s online giving page.
Sarah Bewley, Senior Running Events Officer at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity said: “Warrior Challenge Lapland will be an adventure like no other; a real test of endurance, determination, and teamwork for those taking part and a chance to support SSAFA’s often life-changing work with the Armed Forces community.
“We’re so excited for this once in a lifetime challenge, set amid the jaw-dropping beauty of the Arctic Circle, and want as many people as possible to experience it. I’d encourage anyone who is interested to find out more – and look forward to welcoming those who are brave enough to the frozen wilderness of Lapland come January.”
To find out more about SSAFA’s Warrior Challenge Lapland, or to sign up, visit ssafa.org.uk/lapland or email teamssafa@ssafa.org.uk
