Adventurer Abi hopes to inspire girls with international polar expedition

AN UPPER dale outdoor enthusiast is hoping to win readers’ votes to be in with the chance of embarking on an adventure of a lifetime.
Abi Atkinson, 26, who runs the Kingsway Adventure Centre in Middleton-in-Teesdale with her husband Rob, has entered a competition to go on an international polar expedition next April.
The trip, better known as Fjällräven Polar, would see Mrs Atkinson led by sled
dogs on a week-long journey through 300km of wilderness in the Arctic tundra.
Despite her love for the outdoors, Mrs Atkinson has been motivated to face the challenge after noticing a significant change in the social expectations of young women.
She said: “Our next generation is growing up thinking they can’t get their hands dirty. It is having a huge impact on the next generation of females.
“You look at children these days and it is completely different to when I grew up. My favourite thing to do was playing in the woods and getting covered in mud. Technology has a lot to answer for. I feel that they are missing out on a bit of childhood.
“We are currently in a time where outdoor adventurers who are getting the most exposure all seem to be males. It is amazing for boys as they are so inspired but there are no female role models in the outdoors in the media.
“Young girls growing up have so much pressure put on them to look good. Playing in the outdoors can give children so many positive things.”
If successful, Mrs Atkinson would be one of about 30 people from 15 countries taking part in the adventure where survival instincts would be vital. Her determination and resilience would be tested in temperatures as cold as minus 30 degrees celsius.
Despite this, Mrs Atkinson is keen to prove that girls are capable of enjoying and exploring the outdoors just as much as boys. 
She said: “It would be an incredible experience for me but I want to prove to younger girls that everyone can go out and have fun in the outdoors.
“I still have fears but I think it would be an incredible place to challenge myself.
“I’ve never been to a place like that. I love going on adventures and seeing what I am capable of. It would be an opportunity of a lifetime.”
To vote for Mrs Atkinson and watch her video entry visit http://polar.fjallraven. com/contestant/?id=117
Voting closes on December 15.