While most of the bridging market is focused on speed, certainty and exit strategies, Liddle Perrett founder David Liddle has taken things to a very different extreme – leading an Arctic expedition in sub-zero conditions to raise money for children’s charities.
The London-based broker (main picture, inset) is currently trekking across remote Nordic terrain in Norway as part of the Pulk and Peak – Cold Frontier 2026 challenge, hauling equipment on skis and camping in full Arctic winter, with temperatures expected to plunge to minus 20.
The six-day expedition, which began on Monday 2 February, aims to raise funds for Fatima’s UK Campaign and The SpeedoMick Foundation, both of which support disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. All funds raised will be split equally between the two charities.
After travelling from Oslo to the isolated mountain settlement of Finse, the 10-strong team set off across frozen wilderness more commonly associated with polar explorers than property finance professionals.
EXTREME ENVIRONMENT
Liddle says the challenge was designed to be uncomfortable – and deliberately so – and adds: “We’re placing ourselves in an extreme environment to highlight the very real hardships faced by young people who grow up without stability, security or support. This challenge is about teamwork, resilience and compassion.”
The expedition brings together a varied mix of former Olympians, endurance athletes, property developers, expedition guides and finance professionals – a reminder that the specialist finance sector is no stranger to people who thrive under pressure.
Among those braving the conditions are Fatima Whitbread MBE, former Olympic javelin thrower and founder of Fatima’s UK Campaign, and Mick Cullen BEM, endurance athlete and founder of The SpeedoMick Foundation.
Whitbread says: “This challenge reflects the everyday determination shown by young people in the care system across the UK — turning commitment, step by step, into lasting change.”
Cullen added: “Having a difficult childhood does not have to define your future. This expedition sends a powerful message that with support, belief and determination, young lives can be transformed.”
The team also includes Ironman athletes, endurance runners and expedition specialists – proving that for some in the property and finance world, a tough deal isn’t enough unless it comes with skis, sleds and Arctic winds.
THE FULL TEAM
- David Liddle – Team lead, mortgage broker, scout leadership volunteer
- Fatima Whitbread MBE – Former Olympian, charity founder, campaigner
- Jamie Annetts – Extreme expeditions guide
- Luke Jellicoe – Property professional, endurance cyclist
- Mick Cullen BEM – Endurance athlete, charity founder
- Nicky Poi – Event curator, social media storyteller, former British ice skating Olympic squad member
- Paul Spackman – Extreme expeditions guide
- Sam Donaldson – Property developer, Ironman athlete
- Tanner H Hicks – Property developer, endurance runner
- Will Akhurst – Chief data strategy officer, endurance hiker, scout leadership volunteer
