Trainee GP needs your help to take on 'life changing' Arctic expedition

A man from the Ottery St Mary area is asking for your help to take part in a 300km dog-sled expedition to the Arctic.

Dan Bunce, from Talaton, near Ottery St Mary, is appealing for supporters to vote for him to take part in the gruelling expedition.

Dan, who currently training to be a GP, has applied to represent Great Britain in the Fjallraven Polar. This is a 300km dog sled expedition in the Arctic, comprised of a 24-strong team of everyday people, supported by outdoor clothing and equipment company Fjallraven.

The group is split into twelve two-person teams, each representing a region of the world, and one applicant for every region is selected by popular vote.

Last year's winner secured around 17,000 votes in the voting window.

Dan told Nub News: "I initially came across the expedition by chance whilst looking at an equipment guide on the Fjallraven website. After reading more information about what the event entailed I was hooked.

"The prospect of undertaking this massive challenge both scared and excited me, I've never done anything on this scale before. Part of my driving force to apply has been my family and patients, all of whom have impressed on me the need to live a life without regrets and "what ifs."

"What I need people to do is vote for me please, and to share my voting page with all their friends and family. The further I can spread the message about what I am doing the higher my chance of making the team.

He added: "If there are any local businesses that would be happy to display a poster or flyers, I have some ready to go. On that note, were I to make the team I would be happy to come and talk with schools and local groups that have supported me."

Dan says being selected would be a 'life changing experience' and he has already started preparing, both physically and mentally.

"I think to be selected would be a life-changing experience," said Dan.

"To not only have the experience of crossing nearly two hundred miles of pristine Arctic snow, and to camp under the Northern Lights, but to do it whilst having the privilege of representing Great Britain.

"In terms of training, at this stage the key is to have a good level of fitness to undertake the journey. From what I have read, being in control of a dog sled is physically tough.

"Nearer to the event Fjallraven provide dog sled training to ensure that all of the team will be able to complete the expedition. I think I will also have to prepare myself mentally for the cold, what is 'normal' and when I need to speak to one of the support team.

The expedition takes place between March 30 and April 5, 2020. The closing date for voting is December 12.

If you want to help Dan take on this life changing expedition please click the red button below.