Published on: 15.05.23

World’s biggest cross-country ski race attempt sees over £13,500 raised for city hospice in memory of Winchester man

This March, two friends took on the famous Vasaloppet ski challenge for Winchester Hospice in memory of their much-loved Hugh Freeland, who lost his life at the age of 45.

Charlie Freeland and Will Potts covered 62km of the 90km Swedish race, together raising a total of £13,624 for Winchester’s only adult hospice - the place where Hugh spent his final weeks.

The distance saw Charlie, brother to Hugh, and friend Will cross-country ski from Sälen to Oxberg before timing out after over eight hours on the mountains.

In 2009, Hugh was first to head to western Sweden to attempt the Vasaloppet race, making it as far as the half way mark at Evertsberg. Together, Charlie and Will wanted to finish what Hugh had started by heading back to that same start line 14 years later in his memory.

It was in April 2022 that Hugh Freeland died after a battle with a rare bone cancer, leaving behind his wife Rosie, his two boys Rory and Rafferty as well as many family and friends.

Will Potts says: “When we reached Evertsberg it was an incredibly emotional point for both Charlie and I, thinking back to when Hugh arrived at that same spot all those years ago. I’m pretty sure Hughie was looking down smiling at that moment…enjoying our salute to him.

“Taking on the race ourselves was something we really wanted to do following the loss of Hugh and to support Winchester Hospice whilst doing so just felt so important.”

Donna Coombs, clinical matron at Winchester Hospice, says: “It really is incredible that we have such brilliant supporters like Charlie and Will doing just amazing things to raise funds for our hospice.

“We provide the services we do so that those needing our care can access it at the right time in the right place. Efforts like this simply go so far in helping us continue to do so for our community and we are so grateful for that.”

To donate to in support of their challenge, please click the link here.