North Pole 2011

On Saturday April 16 2011, the Walking With The Wounded North Pole Expedition Team, supported by Artemis Investment Managers LLP, skied into the record books, as they became the first team of unsupported war-wounded amputees to reach the Geographical North Pole.

The Walking With The Wounded Team comprised of 8 people. Two expedition leaders; Ed Parker and Simon Daglish. One polar guide, Inge Solheim and four wounded servicemen, of which two are amputees: Captain Guy Disney (Wounded Amputee), Sergeant Steve Young (Wounded), Private Jaco Van Gass (Wounded Amputee), Captain Martin Hewitt (Wounded). They were also joined for four days by HRH Prince Harry, the Expedition Patron.

The expedition team reached the North Pole in a a remarkably quick thirteen days after battling temperatures of minus 38oc. The team covered this unsupported expedition far quicker than many able-bodied teams, successfully crossing 160 miles of the frozen polar ice-cap.

However, the route to the North Pole was far from straightforward. At the start of the expedition, the team were delayed for four days after persistent bad weather conditions on the ice-cap at Barneo Ice Field. Despite these setbacks, the adventurers continued to make extraordinary progress by arriving at the North Pole three days ahead of schedule.

After receiving news of the teams success, charity Patron and final member of the expedition team, Prince Harry, was the first person to congratulate them via satphone, having spent a week with the team, four of these days out on the ice-cap, walking nearly a quarter of the expedition distance.

Prince Harry said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that the guys have made it – what an awesome achievement. They should be incredibly proud of making this world record, as we are proud of them. I took part in only a small section of the trek, but know full well how physically demanding it was. The spirit and determination of these lads is second to none. They are true role models. And to reach the Pole early, well that’s just showing off!”

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, had sent a letter of encouragement with the team which was opened and read to the team as they arrived at the North Pole commented: “You’ve made it – many congratulations! Right now, you are – quite literally – on top of the world and flying the Union Flag. I am incredibly proud of you, as are all your supporters, friends and families back at home, and many more who you have not met but who, like me, have followed your adventure over the past days with awe, respect and great pride.”

The Walking With The Wounded team opened a bottle of Pol Roger Champagne, to toast Her Majesty The Queen. Having pulled the bottle 160 miles across the ice-cap, the team would have enjoyed every moment in devouring its contents.

The expedition team of four wounded soldiers, two of them amputees, was short-listed to take part in the world record after a tough selection process and undertook a dedicated training shcedule. Charity founders and expedition leaders Ed Parker and Simon Daglish had to ensure that each team member selected could deal with the hostile Arctic environment.

The success of the expedition marks the first venture for Walking with the Wounded, which was founded in 2009. The charity aims to raise over £2m to re-train and re-skill wounded servicemen and women from the British Armed Forces.

[Photos courtesy of Petter Nyquist]