LeasePlan Women’s Arctic Challenge team sets out on the adventure of a lifetime

The LeasePlan Women’s Arctic Challenge team has set off from LeasePlan’s UK head office in Slough.

Their life-changing journey sees them travelling to Baffin Island in the Arctic Circle between Greenland and the Canadian mainland, where they will complete their 100 kilometre ski-trek.

The 18-day trip is expected to take place in temperatures of around -15C to -20C.
The team was given a great send off as LeasePlan colleagues, families and friends gathered to wish them all well as they set off on their big adventure.

Debra Searle, who has acted as a guide for the women throughout their training will not be able to take part in the challenge having sustained an injury. Reserve Sue Cashmore Thorley joins the team, which will now be led by experienced polar guides. 

Steve Moss, HR director at LeasePlan, said: “After months of preparation and the incredible training that the team has been through, the expedition is finally underway.

“At LeasePlan, we know that companies with female board members pay more attention to risk and are ultimately more financially successful.

“We want to invest in all of our employees and hope the Arctic Challenge will give the team an unforgettable experience and provide an inspiration to all female employees at LeasePlan.

“I wish all of the team the very best of luck and I hope they have an amazing time.” 

Searle added: “Having trained and prepared these women over the past months, I am absolutely confident that each of them has what it takes both physically and mentally to complete this challenge.

“Too often lack of confidence can inhibit progression, but by getting out of your comfort zone and by challenging yourself you can change that.

“The next 18 days will push the team to their limits, but I know they will discover just how strong they are and come back filled with self-belief and the knowledge that they can achieve more than they have ever dreamed of.”