One of the world’s most inhospitable and awe-inspiring landscapes is soon to be adorned with the logo of a Manx company as Boston Group announces its premier sponsorship of the ‘headnorth’ North Pole expedition.

Organised by luxury yacht brokers Y.CO and beginning this April, the epic expedition will see a select Y.CO team take on a 100km trek from Ice Camp Barneo to the Geographic North Pole. Co-founders Gary Wright and Charlie Birkett, as well as Director Yves Damette will be joined on the challenge by members of the 2003 Rugby World Cup winning team, Lewis Moody MBE, Danny Grewcock MBE and Josh Lewsey MBE. Three Royal Marines will also accompany the team, including expedition leader and accomplished polar explorer Alan Chambers MBE FRGS. Together, the team aims to raise in excess of ?250,000, which will be donated to two charities: The Lewis Moody Foundation and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF).

Supported by The Brain Tumour Charity and Cancer Research UK, The Lewis Moody Foundation raises funds to establish the UK’s first biobank for brain tumours; a scientific facility for biological data that will improve the development of treatment and cures. The RMCTF provides a better quality of life to serving and retired Royal Marines and their families, and helps the wounded and most severely injured servicemen and women in their transition into civilian life.  

Three sponsorship tiers, Trek Partner, Ski Partner and the top tier package Sledge Partner are available, with Boston opting to show its support as one of nine Sledge Partners. Boston’s sponsorship provides invaluable support to members of the expedition, with the unique opportunity to leave a sustainable item emblazoned with the Boston group logo at the top of the world.

Commenting on Boston Group’s sponsorship, CEO Greg Ellison said: “We couldn’t turn down the opportunity to be a part of such a major fundraising exercise for two fantastic charities and in such impressive style. Boston works very closely on behalf of our clients with the Y.CO team, and we’ve always had a close affinity with British rugby, so by putting the two together for a good cause it was an easy decision for us. Boston and our clients understand what it is to remain resolute and to adapt to the most challenging circumstances. It’s a great challenge which will no doubt test the team to its utmost, and it’s also a great opportunity to see a Manx company play an important part in an internationally publicised fundraising effort. I only wish I was on the expedition with them.”

Also commenting on Boston’s donation, Y.CO co-founder and expedition team member Charlie Birkett said: “Y.CO and the ‘headnorth’ team are incredibly grateful for the generous support of Boston and our other sponsors. Every penny raised from ‘headnorth’ will be divided equally between two fantastic causes, the Lewis Moody Foundation and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund. These fantastic charities work with people living in very difficult situations, suffering from brain tumours, head injuries and other serious injuries. The money from our sponsors and donors really will change their lives. From the entire team, thank you so much.”

To keep up to date with the headnorth Polar Expedition 2015, or to show your support for The Lewis Moody Foundation and Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund, visit www.head-north.org.  For more information on Y.CO, please contact Charlotte Bailey on +377 93 50 12 12 or email CSB@Y.CO.

Photo - Members of the expedition party- pictured left to right are Danny Grewcock MBE, Yves Damette (Y.CO), Gary Wright (Y.CO), James Nightingale (Royal Marine), Charlie Birkett (Y.CO), Alan Chambers MBE FRGS and Lewis Moody MBE.