'The sheer beauty... is just breathtaking': Ex-Royal Marines take on the South Pole
Two former Royal Marines who have a combined age of 122 are taking part in an unsupported expedition across the Antarctic to the South Pole.
Alan Chambers and David Thomas will be hauling their 120kg sleds for around nine hours a day for more than 50 days as they ski and trek 1,150km in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius from Hercules Inlet to the Geographic South Pole.
The Mission Spiritus Antarctica expedition is raising funds for the Royal Marines Charity.
And, in collaboration with Columbia University Lamont and Doherty Earth Observatory Climate Schools, the two men aim to help scientists better understand the global impact of nano-plastics by collecting ice samples every 20km.
They are hoping to reach the South Pole and fly the Royal Marines Charity flag at the bottom of the Earth no later than 14 January 2024.
It takes the veterans about three hours to get ready every morning as they have to pack up, boil water, prepare the food for the day, eat breakfast and so on – then haul their equipment in the sub-zero temperatures.
Speaking to BFBS, David Thomas said "It's been uphill virtually all the way for the last six days.
"We have a little bit of flat and downhill to come and then it's generally rising most of the time."
Having completed the first 100 kilometres of their expedition, the pair said the sheer beauty of their surroundings is "breathtaking", adding: "All we're seeing is snow funnily enough and the colours are just amazing."
Alan is 55 years old, while David will be the oldest person to trek unsupported to the South Pole at the age of 67.
He said so far they were "feeling good, had a few little niggles, listened to my body but generally, we're both very good".
"[We're] still getting into our stride, we're not fully up to speed yet," he added.
David served 22 years as a physical training Instructor and Alan did 16 years in heavy weapons/mortars.
In 1995, along with another Royal Marine, Alan was the first to complete the first winter crossing of Iceland on skis, sledging across Greenland, Canada's Northwest Territories, Norway and Iceland.
To follow Alan and David's extraordinary journey just search #missionspiritus on on social media or visit missionspiritus.com.
Alternatively, if you would like to donate then visit their JustGiving page.
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