Hannah Taylor, Senior Key Account Manager at Simon & Schuster Children's Books, undertook the Arctic Challenge last year with a group of colleagues, who collectively raised an incredible £20,642. Read about her reflections on her experience here...
Can you tell us a bit about why you decided to sign up to the Arctic Challenge and what made you want to fundraise for the National Literacy Trust?
Ultimately, it seemed an experience just too good to turn down, and the opportunity to raise money for a cause close to my heart was the motivation I needed to say yes. Going to the arctic for a charity challenge is such a talking point, and I really thought I could use that hook as a great way to raise money and awareness.
What would be your biggest fundraising tip for someone who is thinking of doing the challenge in 2026?
Be bold and creative with your fundraising ideas, write down anything and everything you can think of, pool all your group’s ideas and then prioritise the ones that you think will work best and that you think you’ll enjoy the most. You can’t do everything, but the likelihood is, if you enjoy it, you’ll commit to it and have fun along the way.
What was your experience like of fundraising and doing the Arctic Challenge as part of a team?
I enjoyed having a numerical target to reach (I’m in sales!) and loved working with a team of wonderful colleagues to organise it all. We all worked well together and feel bonded for life after our Arctic Experience together. Knowing you have the support of the people going through it with you really helps when motivation or spirits are low!
Any overall reflections or advice that you’d like to share with prospective Arctic Challengers for 2026?
Don’t be overwhelmed by the idea of it. You don’t need prior experience or loads of expensive specialist gear, and it’s all mind over matter. Take a speaker or some wired headphones (that don’t need charging!) to get you through the tough bits. Remember that you’re also there to have fun and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can do it!
If you like the sound of Hannah's experience, why not sign up for the Arctic Challenge 2026?
We'd love to hear from you if have any questions or need more information. Email us at fundraise@literacytrust.org.uk.