Challenging trek for ex-pat businessman
AN ADVENTUROUS businessman from Bletchley is taking on one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world – to trek, unsupported, from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole.
Richard Smith grew up in Milton Keynes and his family still live in the Bletchley area.
Currently based in the United States, Richard has a passion for endurance sports as he enjoys the challenges they provide.
He has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, trekked to Everest base camp and across Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains and is a keen marathon runner.
Now he faces a 3 month trek to reach the South Pole from Antarctica with his team mates Alan Lock and Andrew Jensen.
Together they form the international British-American Polar Vision team which came together through a shared love of endurance sports.
The driving force behind the team’s effort is the inspiring story of Alan Lock, who will be the first visually impaired person to attempt to cross Antarctica from the coast to the South Pole.
They will cover a distance of nearly 600 miles, expending over 7000 calories per day and taking on one of the harshest environments on the planet.
Richard’s proud dad Martin Smith said: “They will be in some tough conditions and travelling 10 miles a day.
“You can follow their progress on their online blog on the Polar Vision website.”
The trek aims to inspire blind and partially sighted people and coincides with the 100th anniversary of the original race to the South Pole between explorers Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen.
Richard and his team mates will be supporting sight related charities including Sightsavers and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
To support Polar Vision’s world record attempt and learn more about their fundraising visit www.polar-vision.org.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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