Mark Wood wombles to the South Pole
Phil Byrne
10 January 2012
Polar explorer Mark Wood has completed a 50-day trek to the South Pole.
His world-first attempt to ski alone to both Poles is now well and truly on. As is his desire to make headlines to raise awareness about climate change.
He's doing something extraordinary to keep the spotlight on the state of our planet.
So spare a thought for a man who has selflessly pushed the limits of human endurance, for the greater good of the species. I mean - can you imagine the mental anguish of having a Wombles Christmas hit stuck in your head on repeat for days on end?
Pulling a 120 kg sledge up to 17 miles a day - or to you and me, dragging Lennox Lewis 68 times around the Olympic running track - must have been a doddle by comparison.
Not to mention braving temperatures that dipped below -25 degrees while hiking to a height greater than Ben Nevis. Sheltering in a freezer would have warmed him up.
I was fortunate enough to interview him in warmer times before he set off - though I'll add that it was quite blustery. Watch the interview here.
Seriously though, congratulations Mark and best of luck for the second leg. That'll be the one with the big white bears, but hopefully no Wombles.
Phil Byrne, Publishing & New Media Team
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