A charity which takes children with life-limiting illnesses on never-to-be-forgotten trips to Lapland has set itself a 30th anniversary challenge.

Three decades after they started the trips, the committee of Neston-based Northern Lights have challenged themselves to walk, run, swim or cycle the distance to Lapland as many times as possible starting on December 1 and finishing on November 30 next year.

Chairman Karen Jones said: “It is 2,235 miles from Neston to Lapland and we want to travel this distance while keeping fit as many times as we can.

“Ideally we will be able to travel this distance 20 times which is the number of children we hope to be taking to Lapland next year. Our aim is to also try and raise £2,235 during the year via our online giving page.”

The committee is on the look out for any walkers, dog walkers, swimmers, people training for marathons, cyclists or anyone just trying to keep fit who would like to join them in their challenge and help them reach their target.

“All you need to do is have a fitness bracelet, an app on your phone or any other way of tracking your mileage and then report them to us once a month so we can track our progress,” said Karen.

“Ideally we would like people to also try and help us raise some money while doing this.

“Whether you challenge yourself to complete the full 2,235 miles in the year or just join us in completing as many miles as you can we would like you to create a MyDonate page and advertise this challenge to as many of your friends and colleagues as possible.

The Northern Lights charity, based in Neston, takes children with life limiting illnesses to see Father Christmas in Lapland

“Hopefully they will then donate to encourage you to complete the challenge.”

Twelve months ago Karen, along with secretary Alan Johnson, both founding trustees of the charity, received a surprise Christmas award from then Prime Minister David Cameron.

The trustees originally set up the charity in memory of Christopher Johnson, Alan’s son, who died from a brain tumour in 1987.

The duo have worked tirelessly in order that every December they can take children from the north of England aged between six and 11 to experience dog sled rides, reindeers, snow-mobiles and the Northern Lights along with a visit to Santa at his forest home by a frozen lake.

They have inspired a team of volunteers to raise nearly £1m to take more than 500 children to places like Lapland above the Arctic Circle leading to their naming as ‘Points of Light’ by Mr Cameron.

The holidays can be a useful part of their treatment of these awful illnesses and Karen and Alan say they are very proud to play their part.

Those who want to back the committee can contact the charity by emailing info@northernlightscharity.org.uk.