Data centre industry leaders battle the Arctic in £1 million fundraising bid

Eighteen senior leaders from across the data centre industry are taking on a gruelling five day Arctic trek to raise £1 million for Moya Cole Hospice in Manchester, one of the largest single fundraising efforts the UK data centre sector has attempted for a local cause.

The challenge brings together senior figures from across the data centre and digital infrastructure sector, with participants drawn from the industry's investment, development, operations, technology and professional services communities. The expedition will test endurance, teamwork and resilience as they take on a 66km trek in northern Finland, deep inside the Arctic Circle. Participants will pull their own kit in a pulk, camp on snow, and operate in extreme winter conditions with temperatures ranging from -40°C to 5°C. The team is composed of 6 women and 12 men, combined from 10 data centre related organisations.

The expedition is designed to raise both funds and awareness for Moya Cole Hospice, while highlighting the importance of the data centre sector supporting local causes and communities in which they operate. The group has set an ambitious £1 million fundraising target, aimed at making a meaningful contribution to the hospice and the people and families it supports across Greater Manchester.

The eighteen strong team spans the breadth of the data centre and digital infrastructure ecosystem, bringing together operators, investors, lawyers, recruiters and advisers. The group is led by Stellanor's own Gary Watson, alongside senior figures from organisations including Eversheds, Platform Markets Group, Datalec, Ethos, BGO, DECI, and Salute.

Gary Watson, Managing Director of Stellanor and the organiser of the expedition commented: “Data centres are playing an increasingly important role in the economy, but we also recognise that the industry has a responsibility to engage with and support the communities around us. We wanted to do something that was genuinely challenging, brought people from across the sector together and, most importantly, made a real difference to an organisation that is very close to my heart. Setting ourselves a £1 million target is deliberately ambitious, but so is the challenge we are taking on.”

Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive at Moya Cole Hospice added: “Every pound raised through this challenge will make a direct difference to the care we're able to provide to local people and their families at what is often the most difficult time in their lives. It means a great deal that a group of senior leaders from across an entire industry have chosen to come together behind Moya Cole Hospice in this way, and we're enormously grateful to each of them for taking on such a demanding challenge on our behalf.”

To donate, please visit the official campaign page: Stellanor Datacenters Arctic Trek for Moya Cole Hospice.