Patron - Mel Andrews
Mel is an International dogsledding athlete. In 2009 mel and her dogs became the first team in history to travel from the UK to run any long distance race and in 2011, became Great Britain's first long-distance representative at the World Championships, having earlier raced La Grande Odyssee, a ten day, 900km race in the Alps scaling 25,000 metres.
Mel 30, from Andover, UK has always been a keen athlete, swimming and rowing competitivily. Her love for the Outdoors was encouraged in the Army Cadets and during her time in the TA, mel discovered her passion and ability for extreme winter sports. In pursuit of adventure, el spent an 8 month winter "in the wild" of the Norwegian mountains. Spending weeks on expeditions with the dogs and overcoming the challenges of living in a primitive base camp at -40 degrees C, with no electric, water, plunbing or road access.
Mel now operates Dogsledding Expeditions in Norway, providing adventure seekers weeklong expeditions in the wilderness. Working hard as a team , the challenges are intended to creat inspiration and overcome peceived limits, while developing survival skills and living an adventure.
Living by her favourite quote; "find a way or make one"; Mel's motivation and enthusiasm for life has earned her media work, incuding featuring in the documentary 'Exraordinary Dogs'. Mel intends to develop expedition opportunities for those; like our wounded soldiers, that would benefit from such a life altering experience.
"I am incredibly honoured and excited to become a Patron of Veterans In Action. Any charity that is raising the vital funds and extending the helping hand that makes it possible for our brave and selfless soldiers to start a new life and heal from the scars of war when they return home, deserves our full support."
