Would you consider trekking around 1392 statute miles to the South Pole and back? Well, one man has that challenge in his sights - we're delighted to see that Mark Langridge's website for his 'Solo Antarctica' attempt is now up and running. We got to know Mark here at Discover the World through his lovely wife, Wendi, who is much missed now that she has left the sunny Surrey countryside to join Mark at his base further north. Mark joined the 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment in 1986 and has extensive cold weather operational experience, having completed several winter tours in the Nordic regions for NATO.
Mark's aim is to traverse solo and totally unsupported to the South Pole and back from Hercules Inlet (or Patriot Hills in Western Antarctica (80 degrees south, 81 degrees West) in 80 days or less. This has NEVER been completed before; the current record for a one way trip using this route (travelling solo and unsupported) is approx. 700 miles, so the challenge is pretty immense. The planning that has gone into Solo Antarctica is quite mind-boggling, and this has been Mark's dream ever since he picked up a book on Shackleton as a child - read more about how his Antarctic dream started on the website.
Solo Antarctica's website has a wealth of information on Mark's challenge, including detailed kit lists and equipment maps, information on Antarctic climate and history, and will have a running total of monies raised for charitable causes - you can follow a link to donate to the cause. Mark will be raising money for The British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and DebRA (sick children in the UK). 100% of monies raised will go to the charities. Official sponsorship and Mark's own pursestrings will cover the cost of the actual expedition. HRH the Prince of Wales has kindly agreed to act as Patron for the Expedition, and Mark met up with Prince Charles in July earlier this year. We look forward to following Mark's adventure - roll on 1 November 2008!
Mark, just found out what you are up to. Fantastic mate. Hope that you have taken the "Maroon machine" with you, you really do need to take some pics when you reach the target point with it on.
Will drink a few shots of whiskey for you mate.
Fraternal Regards, Jim Adjei
AIRBORNE!!!!!
Posted by: Jim Adjei | December 28, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Thinking of you as I tuck into my "Vinder's" on Friday night mate.....extra chillies on order!!!
Hope the weather is kind to you and best of luck!
Mac Mclaren
Posted by: Mac Mclaren | November 24, 2008 at 12:47 PM
good luck mate thinking of you dont forget to drink the very last ml of your fluids see you down the "gate when you get back.xx
Posted by: mark simmons | November 14, 2008 at 05:40 PM
good luck uncle mark were all proud of you !
Posted by: jake ankers | November 10, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Be Happy! may the elements be with you!!
Posted by: Eleanor - Kev's Mum | October 29, 2008 at 08:50 PM
mark's arc.....go for it and best fishes...... deely, ruby and the pack of dogs... they can always come to the rescue...hohoho... and once you reach the trading post, let the big chappie with the white beard (wrong pole) know that you know....x
Posted by: deely (robert's sister) cumming | October 25, 2008 at 12:00 AM
good luck and dont forget your thermals.
Posted by: danny boxall | October 23, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Good luck Mark and all the best.
Posted by: Rob Magrath | October 23, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Every mile is two in winter.
George Herbert (1593 - 1633)
Posted by: Kev Glass | October 22, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Mark is my brother in-law,he has been planning this trip for some time we wish all the best for this fantastic challenge Jake and Reece(his nephews )are looking forward to the stories he will tell them when he returns.
Posted by: Natalie Ankers | September 05, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Good luck Mark and hope all goes well ! We will have a drink when you get back.
Posted by: Terry and Glyn Nunn | September 23, 2007 at 12:33 PM