Local adventurer Steve Hill, recently recognised as one of the world’s Top 10 Explorers, is preparing for his first major challenge of 2026 . . . a gruelling Arctic expedition across the frozen wilderness of Svalbard.
In April, Steve will travel to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, located midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, where he will haul a pulk sled across vast stretches of snow and ice.
The expedition will take place in temperatures expected to drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius, with the additional challenge of remaining constantly alert in polar bear territory.
Svalbard is renowned for its extreme environment and isolation, making the expedition both physically and mentally demanding. The journey will require endurance, resilience and careful navigation through one of the most unforgiving landscapes on Earth.
Steve, a deputy headteacher at St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Shaw, is no stranger to extreme challenges and sees the expedition as an opportunity to push his limits and inspire his pupils, while raising money for a cause close to his heart.
All funds raised will go to the Team Hill Charitable Trust, a charity founded by Steve in 2019, supporting its important charitable work.
Speaking ahead of the challenge, Steve said the expedition would be tough but exciting, adding that it “should be fun” — even in sub-zero Arctic conditions.
If anyone would like to support Steve and Team Hill Charitable Trust, you can do so via his JustGiving link at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/STEVE-HILL-7
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