WORKING as a GP, Barbara King sees on a daily basis the effects a diagnosis of cancer has, so she took up a massive challenge to help those with the condition.

Barbara, who practices in Ludgershall, has completed a 26.2 mile backcountry skiing challenge through the snow covered landscape of sub-Arctic Sweden to raise money for breast cancer charity Walk the Walk.

The event saw challengers ski a marathon over two days on trails in the Abisko National Park, staying overnight in mountain huts without electricity.

Temperatures during this year’s event fell to a low of minus 28 degrees Celsius, as Barbara, of Collingbourne Kingston, completed the challenge with the 19-strong team, who braved snowstorms, as well as enjoying crisp blue skies and stunning sunshine.

Barbara said: “I have walked with Walk the Walk on different events since 2015. This year I wanted a new challenge that would test me mentally and physically - what better way to start 2019 than skiing 26 miles on skis I’d not used before, in an environment I’d never experienced!

“My training consisted of long walks across Salisbury Plain, and along the Kennet and Avon canal, accompanied by my Labrador. Nothing however can prepare you for the sheer beauty and extreme temperatures of northern Sweden!

“In my work as a local GP, I see almost every day the effects a diagnosis of cancer has on both an individual and their family.

“Raising money for Walk the Walk to enable them to continue their fight against breast cancer is a privilege.

“There were many highlights during my trip to the Arctic - seeing the Northern Lights, skiing across unmarked snow, but most of all being part of a team, working together to get to the finish line physically intact and still smiling. And yes I’d do it all again.”

The team celebrated completing their marathon in the Ice Bar at the Ice Hotel, wearing Walk the Walk’s trademark decorated bras – adorned with Arctic-inspired designs.