A west Dorset woman has completed an amazing 26.2 miles backcountry skiing challenge through the snow-covered landscape of Sweden.

Sue Beckers from Bridport took on the off-piste challenge to raise money for breast cancer charity Walk the Walk.

The event sees participants backcountry ski a full marathon over two days on trails in the Abisko National Park, staying overnight in mountain huts with no electricity. Temperatures during this year’s event fell to a low of minus 27 degrees Celsius as Sue completed the challenge with the 14-atrong Walk the Walk team who braved snowstorms.

The team celebrated completing their marathon in the ice bar at the Ice Hotel, wearing Walk the Walk’s trademark decorated bras, adorned with special Artic-inspired designs.

Sue Beckers said: “I signed up after my friend Ali asked me - for the third time - if I wanted to join her in what sounded like a rather mad marathon, back country skiing in the Artic of all places. Ali had survived breast cancer and wanted to give back by raising money to support breast cancer charities.

“I knew Walk the Walk, having walked the Half Moon at The MoonWalk London back in 2008. I decided the Artic challenge must be doable with the right training and equipment, but I never realised how life changing it would be. Just the training alone made me push myself, but the challenge made me dig deep.

“I not only learnt how to back country ski - getting up is hard - but I learnt about preparation; to pack carefully chosen small amounts for the mountains, don’t wear sun cream as it freezes on your face, don’t take your two pairs of gloves off for too long as you risk frostbite, take hot water otherwise it freezes, and above all, look after each other.

“The two-day challenge was a wonderous pleasure in glorious sun and stunning snow-covered hills, skiing 50 minutes then stop 10 minutes to eat and drink in the snow, repeat. Get to the next hut before sundown.

“At night, the magical glow of candlelight with hot lingonberry juice and homecooked reindeer stew, the ritual of washing in a Swedish sauna - nowhere else to wash - and the huskies asleep by their sleighs outside our windows. Even venturing out in minus 27 to walk 50 metres through deep snow to use the loo was a magical experience of starry skies and gentle Aurora Borealis glow. The camaraderie of the group and all the amazing guides will remain with me forever.

“There was the additional excitement of seeing moose, reindeer and an eagle, of sleeping in the ice hotel, skidoo rides and sleigh rides made it possibly the most memorable trip of my life. Well done Polla and the team from Walk the Walk. Thank you Ali for asking me. to all the women, and Andy, on the challenge, my friends - I salute you.”

Walk the Walk has raised more than £133million since 1996 and, as a grant making charity, has funded both research in breast cancer and helped improve the lives of those living with cancer now.

The charity is best known for its famous MoonWalks when walkers take on marathon challenges in London and Edinburgh at midnight wearing brightly decorated bras.

For more information, visit walkthewalk.org