BBC legend rushed to hospital as they’re forced to quit extreme Arctic challenge

Former BBC Breakfast star Louise Minchin was trying to cycle 300 miles in three days in Canada’s Northwestern Territories to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity

BBC presenter Louise Minchin has been hospitalised after contracting frostbite during an extreme Arctic adventure challenge.

The beloved presenter, who left BBC Breakfast in 2021, had been attempting to cycle 300 miles in three days in Canada’s Northwestern Territories to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity. She was joined by Guinness World Record holding endurance athlete Mimi Anderson, 61.

However, the pair were forced to drop out of the extreme challenge to seek medical help after battling dangerously cold winds. Louise took to Instagram to update fans from a hospital bed – where she and ANderson could be seen with her fingertips bandaged up.

She said in a video: “We are out of the race but we are safe, warm and being well looked after”. Alongside the clip she wrote: “We did around 140k in temperatures as low as -40 degrees.

“When we got to this point both of us knew we were very dangerously cold. The combination of the temperature and wind meant despite having prepared as much as we could have it was a huge risk to go on.

“Turns out we were right to stop. We both have frostbite and are being looked after incredibly well looked after. At the moment we remain in good spirits.”

The pair were 14 hours into the cycle, which takes place across icy rivers and Canada’s Arctic wilderness, when they were forced to stop. The NHS says frostbite can occur if your skin is exposed to temperatures of 0C (32F) or below.

It “happens when your skin freezes after being in very cold temperatures. The skin needs to be warmed as soon as possible.” Initial signs can include nimbness, pain and skin appearing red or pale.

Fans and fellow presenters rushed to the comments to share their concerns and wished Louise and Anderson well. One wrote: “That’s some serious cold. Good luck with the recovery and downtime!”

Another commented: “You both did amazingly well to last that long. Sorry you’ve got frostbite but hope you both recover well in the next few days.” A third added: “Well done…right decision! Hope you both recover well and thank goodness you’re both safe.”

Morning Live’s Gaby Roslin commented: “Oh my word. Please take good care of yourself.” Susanna Reid said: “Big hugs.”

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