End in sight for former Royal Marines taking on unsupported South Pole challenge
Royal Marines veterans Alan Chambers and Dave Thomas are now starting to think about the end point of their epic unsupported expedition across the Antarctic as they endure temperatures as low as -30C.
Speaking to Amy Casey from BFBS radio programme Totally Connected, Mr Chambers said how after a few days of terrible weather, including two which were a total white-out, the pair were now three days away from reaching the 1,000km milestone on the way to the South Pole.
He said: "Visibility is a really big boost for us. When you can't see where you are going, can't make out left and right, up and down, that's the time that can get you down."
The pair are part of Mission Spiritus Antarctica, the first of four science-based expeditions to collect nano-plastics from across the earth for Columbia University scientists to study.
Their gruelling challenge is also raising funds for the Royal Marines Charity.
Beginning at Hercules Inlet, they are hauling 120kg sleds for around nine hours a day as they ski and trek the 1,150km to the geographic South Pole.
So far, they have overcome the steepest part of their journey, climbing a total elevation of 8,000 feet to land on the polar plateau, crossing the 900km point.
Mr Thomas said it had been emotional at times and while they were looking towards the end goal, they needed to be mindful not to "do anything silly".
He explained: "Our bodies are tired, we're mentally tired, but we're focused and planning every day carefully.
"We're working out what miles we need to do with the end goal in mind."
They are hoping to reach the 1000km point at the weekend, leaving them only another 130km to go, which should see them at the pole around 18 January, weather permitting.
To follow their extraordinary journey just search #missionspiritus on social media or visit missionspiritus.com.
Alternatively, if you would like to donate then visit their JustGiving page.
You can listen to their interview in full on BFBS Catch Up.
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