An arctic trek has ended in injury for the founder of a children’s charity.

Avril Mills, founder of The Dream Factory based in Hainault, returned from a seven-day trip where temperatures reached minus 25 Celsius, with bruised ribs.

She sustained the injury during a 250km trek in the Arctic when her dog sled collided with a gate post.

The trip has so far raised £13,000 which surpassed the target of £8,000 and will help the charity fulfil more dream experiences for terminally ill children.

Mrs Mills said: “I fell off twice and it was quite frightening at times.

“It was absolutely freezing and on one night our gloves, hats and socks froze solid."

It wasn’t all coming and sledding however, with the 11-strong group staying in Sweden’s Ice Hotel for one night of their journey.

The Dream Factory will hold its annual Easter party for children tomorrow at the Waltham Abbey Marriott in Old Shire Lane.

School, businesses and individuals from Epping forest donated 500 chocolate eggs for the event.