A diverse team of adventurers, athletes and campaigners, will trek across Nordic polar landscapes in a bold charity expedition raising funds and awareness for vulnerable young people.
London, UK – January 2026 — In February 2026, a unique team of ten adventurers will head deep into the Nordic Arctic on a demanding winter expedition known as Pulk & Peak – Cold Frontier 2026, a Nordic polar challenge designed to test human resilience, while shining a spotlight on the lives of vulnerable young people in the UK.
A Challenge With Purpose
“Cold Frontier 2026 is about far more than physical endurance,” said Team Lead David Liddle. “We’re deliberately placing ourselves in an extreme environment to highlight the very real hardships faced by young people who grow up without stability, security or support. This challenge is about teamwork, resilience and compassion.”
The expedition begins on 2 February 2026, when the team flies to Oslo, Norway for six days. Travelling by the iconic Bergensbanen railway to the remote mountain settlement of Finse, they will embark on their Arctic journey — relying solely on skis, tents and each other as they navigate the frozen landscape with temperatures expected to fall as low as -20°C.
Pulling their equipment in heavy pulks across snow-covered tundra, travelling on skis, and camping in sub-zero conditions, the team will strip life back to its basics in one of Europe’s harshest environments. Their goal is not only survival and endurance — but to raise vital funds and awareness for two UK charities working to ensure that no child is ever left out in the cold.
The expedition will support two charities that support vulnerable children and tackle property issues in the UK:
Fatima’s UK Campaign, founded by former Olympic javelin champion Fatima Whitbread MBE, campaigns to improve outcomes for children and young people in care. Drawing on lived experience, the charity works to ensure children are seen, heard and valued, while pushing for lasting
systemic change.
The SpeedoMick Foundation, founded by endurance athlete and campaigner Mick Cullen BEM, supports disadvantaged young people through education, mental and physical health initiatives, and community-based projects that tackle poverty and homelessness.
All funds raised will be split equally between Fatima’s UK Campaign and The SpeedoMick Foundation, two organisations dedicated to protecting, supporting and empowering disadvantaged young people.
Mick Cullen BEM said, “Having a difficult childhood does not have to define your future. This expedition sends a powerful message — that with support, belief and determination, young lives can be transformed.”
Fatima Whitbread MBE said, “This challenge reflects the everyday determination shown by young people in the care system across the UK – turning commitment, step by step, into lasting change.”
A Team United by Adventure and Purpose
The Cold Frontier 2026 team brings together a remarkable mix of backgrounds — from Olympians, endurance athletes to property professionals, Scouts and expedition guides — united by friendship, shared challenges and a desire to give back.
The team includes
- David Liddle – Team Lead, Mortgage Broker, Scout Leadership Volunteer
- Fatima Whitbread MBE – Former Olympian, Charity Founder, Campaigner
- Jamie Annetts – Extreme Expeditions Guide
- Luke Jellicoe – Property Professional, Endurance Cyclist
- Mick Cullen BEM – Endurance Athlete, Charity Founder
- Nicky Poi – Event Curator, Social Media Storyteller, former British Ice Skating Olympic Squad member
- Paul Spackman – Extreme Expeditions Guide
- Sam Donaldson – Property Developer, Ironman Athlete
- Tanner H Hicks – Property Developer, Endurance Runner
- Will Akhurst – Chief Data Strategy Officer, Endurance Hiker, Scout Leadership Volunteer
Despite their varied paths, the team’s bond has been forged through previous endurance challenges, professional and community work, and shared values. The Scouting element in the team will ensure that they are prepared for anything, and the resilience to achieve their goals.
How to Support
The public is invited to support the expedition and the charities it represents by donating via the official fundraising pages:
- Support via Fatima’s UK Campaign:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/fatimawhitbread2026
- Support via The SpeedoMick Foundation:
More information about the charities can be found at: www.fatimascampaign.com www.thespeedomickfoundation.org
Media Contact:
David Liddle
Phone: 07810 508781
Social Media:
#PulkAndPeak #ColdFrontier2026 #RemoteBoldCold #FatimasUKCampaign #TheSpeedoMickFoundation
