“Witnessing the first sunrise after the polar night was beautiful. The colours looked extraordinary”

Caitríona Ní Threasaigh works in the creative arts in Dublin. She took part in the First Light for Sight challenge in January 2024 and raised more than €8,000.

Here, Caitríona shares her experience of the Arctic challenge, and offers future fundraisers some tips on how to make the most of the expedition.

Were you a Sightsavers supporter before you signed up for the challenge?

Yes, I’ve been donating to Sightsavers since 2000.

What motivated you to get involved?

I decided to sign up for the challenge because I love the work that Sightsavers Ireland does and I’ve always wanted to travel to the Arctic.

What kind of training did you do before the challenge?

I did lots of walking, went to the gym, swam and ate super-healthy food! I also joined a Nordic walking meet-up group.

How did you feel in the lead-up?

In the run-up to the expedition, I felt nervous and excited in equal measure.

How did you find the challenge?

The most challenging experience was my inner voice. Every morning, before heading off on the trip that day, I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to do it. And every evening I was overjoyed that I was able to! I learned that I am enough and I don’t need to prove myself to anyone. I did what I set out to do, and I loved being part of a group.

The group I travelled with was a lovely team of people. I enjoyed everyone’s company. It was a very diverse and dynamic group that held together well. Mostly, I felt I was in the presence of very strong-minded, independent people, survivors. It was a real privilege to be part of it.

What was the highlight?

I absolutely loved the challenge. A highlight was the walk across the frozen lake in the dusk/dark, in the wind and in -32 degree Celsius. The most surprising thing about the challenge was that trek! I thought it would be the most difficult, but it was the calmest experience I had during the whole trip.

How did you feel when you saw the first sunrise?

Witnessing the first sunrise after the polar night was beautiful. Any colour created by nature was extraordinary in that white snowy landscape. The sunrise also connected me with the power of the sun and the power of light.

What did you learn about Sightsavers throughout the challenge?

Being part of the challenge confirmed for me that Sightsavers Ireland is a very caring and robust organisation. After supporting Sightsavers for more than 20 years, I’m delighted to say that I’ve backed the right organisation! I really feel connected to Sightsavers Ireland, and I love having that connection in my life.

How did you find the fundraising?

I raised most of the funds by having an art exhibition and selling my paintings. I did this so that I would be covering the costs of the trip myself. In the run up to the expedition, my family and friends all gave me great support. They were very excited for me and were very generous in helping me to reach my fundraising target.

How did you find Adventure.ie?

I could not praise Adventure.ie enough. They were so professional and completely reliable. I would go anywhere in the world with them, knowing they had my back the whole time. Ronan was a rock, a true leader. He was always on top of things and never once floundered. Every decision he made was for our benefit and his stellar leadership kept us safe at all times.

Everyone in the team was first-class, special human beings, and the delicious food was the super-fuel we needed to complete our daily challenges.

Any message or advice for anyone considering doing the challenge?

I would advise anyone thinking about this expedition to do it! You’ll love the challenge and you’ll be making such a difference in so many people’s lives. Sight is a precious gift and being able to help another person to see again is beyond precious.