'I've never forgotten what they did for my little girl': Sunderland mum's huge Arctic challenge for charity

They are the words of a truly grateful Sunderland mum who is putting herself through a huge challenge to thank a South Shields charity for its support when her daughter Beatrix was battling for life in hospital.

Cheryl Archbold, from Roker, has never forgotten the backing she received from the Charlie and Carter Foundation in 2022.

‘They stepped in when everything felt lost’

The South Tyneside-based cause ‘stepped in when everything felt lost,’ said Cheryl. They backed Cheryl by paying her mortgage for three months when she was by her daughter’s bedside.

Her daughter Beatrix needed a heart transplant after tests three years ago showed one side of her heart was enlarged and not functioning properly.

Saved by expert surgeons

Beatrix had an operation to fit a line into her body so she could receive medication but she had a cardiac arrest and was saved by expert surgeons at the Freeman Hospital who performed open heart surgery.

Then came a 14-month wait for a new heart.

The little girl lived in the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle for a year and was attached to tubes which acted as her ventricles.

‘This isn’t just a snowy holiday — it’s a brutal test of endurance, stamina, and resilience’

She finally got her new heart in 2023 and Cheryl is now saying thank you to the Charlie and Carter Foundation by heading to Finland to ‘take on a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic Multi-Activity Challenge.

“That means snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even husky-sledding… all in sub-zero conditions,” said Cheryl.

Find out how you can support the Arctic challenge

The challenge will last five days and aims to raise £3,000 for the Foundation.

Cheryl added: “I am fundraising for The Charlie and Carter Foundation so they can continue supporting other families going through the unthinkable. This isn’t just a snowy holiday — it’s a brutal test of endurance, stamina, and resilience.

“I am doing this for every family who needs hope, practical help, and the reminder that they are not alone.”

“Please support me if you can – whether it’s £1 or simply sharing my page. Every bit helps.”

Cheryl’s epic venture is a five-day journey in Finland with other complete strangers who are doing their own challenges ‘for personal reasons’.

They will each trek for eight hours using various methods of transport. Each night, they will sleep in huts where temperatures could fall to minus 30 degrees.

Find out more about the charity challenge and how you can give your support, here.

To confirm your support for organ donation on the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or use the NHS app. And please tell your family about your decision.