Frampton woman gets advice from Eddie the Eagle ahead of challenge

Anya Eames, who grew up in Dursley but now lives in Frampton on Severn, is currently a foster carer with her husband looking after two teenage boys. 

She is due to take part in an epic Arctic Circle race which includes cross-country skiing, cycling and walking through thick snow with temperatures below -20 degrees. 

In preparation for her challenge Anya - who has never skied before - says she has even received advice from local skiing legend Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards.

Money raised will go towards county wide anti-knife crime charity Increase The Peace. 

Anya, who works in insurance, says she hopes that her challenge, which is taking place in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, will also raise awareness about knife crime.

She said: “The kids in Frampton have nowhere to go and need motivation, somewhere to call their own and some mentors to look up to. 

“The last few years have shown kids are not making the right choices, more mentors and youth clubs are needed. 

“I want to do workshops for the local kids - kayaking, rock climbing, boxing, bush craft activities keep them active and entertained. 

“Fostering has opened my eyes to struggles that teenagers have, including knife crime.”

Anya Eames from Frampton is due to return to the Arctic as part of another gruelling challenge (Image: Anya Eames)

Anya Eames taking part in a previous challenge in the Brecon Beacons with her dog Bonnie (Image: Anya Eames)

The challenge is due to start on Saturday, March 16 with Anna cycling 19 miles on a snow bike, skiing 13 miles and walking 13 miles with snowshoes over three days. 

She added: “This is a massive challenge as I am going to experience temperatures below -20 and travelling through thick snow up to 20 miles a day and camping.  

“I have no experience in skiing at all and have been getting excellent advice from Michael aka Eddie the Eagle who is always there when I have questions."

Anya previously raised more than £5,000 for children’s charity Dreams Come True after trekking 270 km across the Arctic with huskies in March last year.
 
“Last year’s challenge was great and has set me up for this race,” she said. 

“I am not an athlete and I am training hard in the gym and running regularly with my dog Bonnie.”

She added: “I hope to raise not only money but awareness of knife crime and hopefully inspire youngsters to take up different sports beyond what they think their ability is. 

“If enough money is raised it will also help with a youth club in Frampton on Severn which I hope to set up, these kids need somewhere to go and keep them off the streets.”

You can donate to the fundraiser here - tinyurl.com/femwp4t3