AN INTREPID adventurer has travelled 250km, navigated her way through barren highland and deep forest and endured temperatures below minus 20C – to raise money for a Hampshire charity.

Louise Willis, 27 of Boyatt Wood, Eastleigh, drove a pack of five husky dogs eight hours a day for six days, from Sweden to Norway, raising £4,081 for Sophie’s Appeal.

This makes her the largest individual fundraiser of the year so far.

The gruelling Arctic Challenge saw her trudging through knee-deep snow and helping the dogs pull the sled up the steepest slopes.

Louise spent six months training for the self-funded trip led by her favourite dog Monster.

The health and safety worker said: “The husky trail was a life changing adventure that I will never ever forget.

“The challenge was very hard and it got really tough at some points, so I tried to keep in mind what it was all in aid of. I chose to support Sophie’s Appeal as it’s a local charity very close to my heart.

“Before I left, Sophie’s mum Lin said that Sophie, below, would be watching over me to keep me safe, and so that really gave me the drive to complete the challenge, and raise lots of money for such a worthwhile charity.”

Lin Barringer, Sophie’s mum and charity cofounder, said: “We are so grateful to Louise for choosing S o p h i e ’ s Appeal as her charity for her adventure of a lifetime.

“I know Sophie would be very proud of her inspiring achievement.

“The funds raised will go towards the vital support and treatment of sick children and their families across the Hampshire region.”

The charity was founded by Sophie’s parents Mike and Lin when she was diagnosed as having Wilm’s Disease, a cancer of the kidney that she died from, aged six, in 2004.

The charity raises cash to support the social, emotional and educational welfare of sick children and their families or carers.

It has raised £200,000 and opened Sophie’s Place, a dedicated children’s assessment area, helping up to 400 children every month.