Member Article

MD heads to the North Pole

A North East managing director is heading for colder climes this year as part of a charity fundraising attempt. 30-year-old Michael Mitten, MD of Houghton International, is heading to the North Pole in April to raise £50,000 for Macmillian Cancer Support.

Michael was prompted to do something extraordinary in memory of his dad, Ron, who lost his battle with lung cancer in June 2007.

The ‘True North’ challenge will see Michael travel for eight days from a floating ice station in the Arctic circle to the Geographic North Pole. He will be skiing for up to ten hours a day, pulling a 50kg sled at the same time. Temperatures can get down to minus 50 degrees centigrade, compounded to minus 90 degrees with wind chill factored in.

Michael said: “When I found out about the North Pole challenge through North East explorer Brian Douds, it seemed like the perfect way to raise much needed funds for Macmillan and a wonderful way to pay tribute to my dad. “I decided to do something extraordinary to mark his life in a positive way and raise money for Macmillan, as they were a great help to my dad and my family throughout his illness.”

Michael is recording his journey from training to arriving on the North Pole on his blog, at www.truenorth2009.blogspot.com. To sponsor Michael go to www.justgiving.com/truenorth.

Sarah Goldie, Tyneside Fundraising Manger for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Michael’s aim to take part in such a challenging expedition to reach the North Pole is unique to Macmillan. “I hope other people will be inspired by Michael’s commitment to reach his £50,000 target to benefit local cancer patients and their families.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .