Melanie tackles Arctic challenge

FORMER Oldhamer Melanie Clegg is gearing up for the race of her life with a little help from her four-legged friends.

In March, Melanie will take part in the gruelling Finnmark Slopet through Norway’s Arctic tundra — her first ever husky race as a competitor.

Melanie, a former Hulme Grammar School pupil, moved to Norway six years ago after falling in love with the country when she was posted there while serving as a flight lieutenant with the RAF.

The 35-year-old enjoyed her time in Norway so much she decided to transfer to the country’s air force. But when that fell through she got a job as a kennel helper at a husky farm in the north.

Her duties included looking after 32 dogs, training puppies and keeping the farm clean and tidy in exchange for food, lodgings and £200 a month.

Eventually, Melanie moved into her own house even further north with her 12 dogs which she soon started to train for racing.

Before the Finnmark Slopetrace begins, Melanie and her eight racing dogs will endure more than 1,500 miles of training and gather as much sponsorship as possible.

She is hoping to raise £4,000 to cover the cost of extreme expedition equipment and clothing for herself and the huskies as temperatures can fall as low as -40C.

Anyone wishing to find out more or make a contribution can visit www.prospecthuskies.com or www.finnmarkslopet.no.