Walsall based shipping container sales and conversions firm Lion Containers Ltd, is proud to sponsor Stephen Henry who will be undertaking a major charity fundraising challenge – “The Arctic Rugby Challenge”. Stephen will be trekking 100 miles across the Arctic to reach the Magnetic North Pole. Once he arrives through the bitter winds and snow, he will be taking part in “the most northerly rugby match” in history. The aim is to set a new Guinness World Record whilst at the same time raising money for charity. The charity in question is Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby and the teams will be aiming to raise £300,000.

“The challenge and fundraising goal that Stephen is setting himself is awe?inspiring, we have worked very closely with various different rugby clubs, are fans of the game and are aware of Wooden Spoon’s amazing work. Therefore, we just could not turn down the chance to sponsor Stephen, and we wish him all the luck in the world” – Sophie Day, Marketing Manager (
Lion Containers Ltd)

Stephen from Bicester in Oxfordshire, will set out in April this year with two teams of rugby fans and former players, and they will trek through temperatures that will dip below ?30 degrees. As if that isn’t taxing enough, when they get to the 1996 position of the Magnetic North Pole, Stephen will take part in a full 7?a?side rugby match. Stephen is also aiming to personally raise over £25,000 for Wooden Spoon, which is the perfect motivation for such an arduous challenge. The teams will be led by former Rugby Union Internationals, Tim Stimpson (England and Leicester Tigers) and Ollie Phillips (England 7s and Gloucester winger). Former England and British Lions player, Lee Mears will be the match referee. The Arctic Rugby Challengers are currently training to be fit for the challenge, and the teams are being coached by polar adventurer Jock Wishart. The squad leaves the UK in April for Resolute in northern Arctic Canada, where they will undergo final Arctic Orientation training. They will then fly to the start of a seven day 100 mile trek, culminating in the match.

“The Arctic is a completely unknown environment for me so I can’t 
even begin to imagine how I will react to being in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. We’ve been told 
everyone experiences ‘Polar shock’ when they first arrive, so I’m definitely expecting it to push my limits, but I’m 
really looking forward to it and determined to finish and help set this world record” – Stephen Henry

“I have been training hard to prepare, and we have had special sessions to learn all we need to survive the harsh  conditions we’ll face. I’m not too concerned about the trekking side, but it is a little bit worrying being so far from help. Rugby is an amazing sport which suits all kinds of individuals, but also teaches you the importance of team work”  – Stephen Henry

“We are really delighted 
Stephen has committed to helping Wooden Spoon in this huge fundraising challenge Wooden Spoon is the UK’s 
leading grant?making charity dedicated to helping disadvantaged children and young people through the power of 
rugby” – Barry Monahan, Chief Operating Officer (Wooden Spoon)