Wiltshire ambulance volunteer takes on 5,000-mile Arctic challenge for ambulance charity
A Wiltshire volunteer who helps save lives in his local community is preparing to take on an extraordinary 5,000-mile expedition across the Arctic Circle to raise vital funds for the South Western Ambulance Charity.
Cris Wiles, a volunteer Community First Responder (CFR) with South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT), will set off on 29 January 2026 in a 40-year-old Land Rover Defender, driving through some of the harshest environments on the planet. His route will take him through the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, with daily distances of up to 350 miles and temperatures expected to plunge as low as -30°C.
Throughout the journey, Cris and the team will sleep in roof tents mounted on their vehicles, relying on diesel heaters to endure the extreme Arctic conditions.
For the past three years, Cris has volunteered as a Community First Responder in Wiltshire, responding to 999 calls and providing urgent care to patients experiencing medical emergencies. CFRs attend incidents in their local areas near home or work, often arriving before an ambulance and beginning lifesaving interventions such as CPR, as well as offering reassurance during critical moments.
Cris said: "In those years, I've responded to cardiac arrests, respiratory distress, severe trauma, and other life-threatening emergencies. These experiences are intense and humbling, and they remind me every day why the NHS and pre-hospital care are so vital. The South Western Ambulance Charity plays a crucial role in supporting volunteers like me with training and equipment to be able to respond and help patients in my community.
"This isn't a holiday, it's a test of endurance, resilience and sheer determination. I'm taking on this challenge because I believe in helping people when they need it most. The expedition is completely self-funded, so every penny donated will go directly to the South Western Ambulance Charity, helping to provide vital equipment and training for Community First Responders who save lives every day."
Louise Walsh, Charity Fundraising Manger at the South Western Ambulance Charity said: "We're incredibly thankful to Cris for his continued support and the amazing work he does to strengthen our community. The money raised will make a huge contribution to local emergency services. We wish him and the team all the best for their adventure."
The Arctic expedition will be undertaken alongside The Orange Defender Team, a group of experienced specialists who have completed similar challenges before and will help ensure safety throughout the journey.
To support Cris's challenge and help make a difference to emergency care in local communities, visit the JustGiving page: Arctic Circle Convey SWAC and follow the adventure at The Orange Defender.
For more information about the South Western Ambulance Chairty, visit www.swambulancecharity.org