UK Indian drives solo to Arctic Circle to raise cancer awareness

AN adventurer has completed her mission to undertake a solo winter expedition to the Arctic Circle in a bid to raise awareness on cancer.

Bharulata Patel-Kamble, a cancer survivor and automobile expeditor, embarked on the Arctic Circle Winter Adventure Challenge on November 3 and completed it on November 12.

After being flagged off from BAPS Shree Swaminarayan temple, Neasden, London on November 2 evening, Bharulata set off the next day in BMW 2 series, Gran tourer M Sports.

The goal was to reach Nordkapp in 90 hours and return back in 90 hours covering the distance of 9,000 kilometres through nine countries in nine days.

However, unpredictable weather conditions and road closures forced her to make two stops which saw in her reaching Nordkapp in 91 hours instead of 90.

She had undertaken number of survival courses, including advanced driving, car maintenance, driving in snow and ice and first aid before setting off on her expedition.

Bharulata said: “This has been a huge challenge and she is delighted to have completed the challenge safely and in time.

“I wanted to do this because I want to inspire others and let the world know that cancer is not the ‘death Penalty’. I have fought the dreaded cancer, so many others can. It is our body and we must do everything to protect it.

“I felt fit enough to undertake this challenge and if I can give something back, such as hope to those suffering with the cancer at present then my risky activity is well worth”.