A SENIOR police officer is taking to her skis this week for an Arctic Circle marathon that will raise money for a cancer support charity.

Chief Superintendent Sharon Milton will take part in a cross-country skiing marathon, the Arctic Challenge, covering 6.2 miles over two days in Sweden’s Abisko National Park. Milton, who was treated successfully for breast cancer in 2016 and 2017 has so far raised more than £15,000 for Walk the Walk, the UK’s biggest grant-making breast cancer charity.

The challenge extends over five days, starting on Friday. Temperatures will be be as low as -30C, with additional wind chill and blizzards.Aberdeen-based Milton said: “After I was diagnosed it seemed important to set myself some long-term goals before I started treatment. The Arctic marathon seemed an ideal challenge.

“I turned to my love of painting as a positive focus and then started to sell prints and calendars to raise money for the challenge.

“I am humbled by the donations I’ve had from family, friends, colleagues and organisations such as the Scottish Police Federation and Association of Scottish Police Superintendents. I’d also like to thank the Braemar Mountain Rescue Team for lending me equipment. I’m very grateful for everyone’s overwhelming support.”