The founder of a Hainault charity is trekking across the Arctic to raise money for more ill children’s wishes to come true.

Avril Mills started The Dream Factory after her nine-year-old son Oliver died from leukaemia in 2008.

The charity has now granted more than 220 wishes to young people with disabilities and terminal illnesses, including new bikes and toys, holidays and meeting celebrities.

Avril and dream co-ordinator Martin Bye will drive a pack of huskies 156 miles through the Arctic over seven days.

They want to raise £8,000 with the challenge, which starts in Norway and finishes in Sweden.

Avril said: “This will certainly test our physical and mental strength in some of the most extreme conditions.

“We will be travelling the distance from London to Torquay in temperatures averaging -20 degrees. This is no ordinary charity challenge.”

The pair will have to put up their own tents, cook their own food and look after their team of huskies.

Charity patron Terry Alderton, a comedian soon to play a character in Eastenders has visited Avril while she trains hard in the gym.

“It’s going to be a trip of a lifetime,” he said.

Support the Arctic challenge at www.justgiving.com/huskyartic.