North South Solo Expedition
This year I will attempt to be the first person in history to ski solo – unsupported and unaided to both the South Geographic and the North Geographic Pole’s consecutively.
Classed by the patron Sir Ranulph Fiennes as “the toughest journey on the planet” My first steps will be taken in Antarctica – an estimated journey of forty five days will bring me to the South pole and half way to succeeding. From here I will head straight to the Canadian high arctic where the second part of the journey will begin. Across broken sea ice I hope to arrive at the North pole within sixty five days. A total journey including the transitional period of one hundred and fifty five days across two thousand Kilometres of Antarctica ice and Arctic sea ice.
For me this is more than just a long walk on ice. There are 3 main reasons for the expedition;
Education
On ice I will be connecting with schools from around the globe and at times calling directly into classrooms to talk to students from the extremes of the planet. To read through the “My Life In A Freezer” programme.
Environmental
To coincide with my return from the North pole in May 2012 I will be holding a Climate Change workshop in high arctic Svalbard to forty of the leading companies and inspiring people.
Run by climate change specialists and scientists along with seasoned polar explorers the 2020 leadership project is a real opportunity for organisations to be involved in the expedition and to make a real difference.
To find out more contact – climate change solutions on;
call – +44(0)2476 675 444
email – tony@climate-change-solutions.co.uk
A personal journey
To date I have led over twenty five major expeditions in the extremes of our planet – I see my role as an explorer as someone who can communicate my experiences to both students and companies to stimulate interest about their own planet.
I understand the enormity of my expedition – many teams and individuals have tried to do what I am going to do but have had set backs. I feel I have the experience and understanding of what I’m getting into. Preparation plays and incredible part in the success of a venture like this along with good mental and physical strength – but a lot of the success will be down to luck and what mother nature has install for me.
But that is what being on an extreme ground breaking expedition is all about. and the reason why I explorer.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes O.B.E. – Patron – North South Solo Expedition
“The North South Solo expedition is the toughest journey on the planet covering two of the most hostile and unforgiving regions on earth.
I wish Mark every success in his endeavour and I encourage others to follow his journey.”
Jose Naranjo – Spanish Polar explorer
“I met Mark for the first time in the Canadian High Arctic when he was in a Geomagnetic North Pole expedition. From the first moment I could see his iron will, his strong determination and his great enthusiasm.
With these three qualities he has already covered half of the route to North and South Poles.”
Geoff Thompson – Author / Film Maker / Martial artist
“The magnitude of his feats make you reassess everything (in a good way), it encourages you to vastly expand your own thinking, widen your beliefs and even change your whole reality.
Pioneers like Mark Wood create an ‘allowing’ for everyone else. What is possible for one man is possible for all men.”
Tony McNally Managing Director Climate Change Solutions LTD
“Climate Change Solutions Ltd is very pleased to support the North and South expedition.
This dramatic sponsored undertaking will highlight the challenge of climate change and present the compelling evidence of accelerating melting of the great mass of snow and ice.
Andy McNab – ex-SAS soldier / Author
“I have encountered many tough and unforgiving terrains in my time but a journey of this magnitude is no mean feat. Good luck to Mark – he’s going to need a fair dose of it along with the single-mindedness that comes with attempting such a treacherous adventure.”
Marlon Devonish – Olympic Gold Medal Winner (Athens 2004) MBE
“Being an Olympic champion I know what dedication and determination is necessary to achieve your goals. What Mark is trying to achieve with the North South Solo expedition is something beyond my Olympic gold medal. It’s a real life or death situation. I wish him the best of luck in achieving his goal.”
Christopher Mike – British explorer / Magnetic North Pole 2007 – first solo crossing of Iceland 2009
“In the world of so-called professional adventurers, Mark stands out as being different. Unlike egocentric attention seekers desperate to tell us about their particular brilliance, Mark uses his expeditions to make the world a better place for young people. He does this through education and communication programmes and by generally ‘putting something back on the table’. He is a decent man driven by strong principles.”
Jon Geldart – Global Director – Marketing communications. Grant Thornton – polar guide – Geomagnetic North Pole 2006 / Island Peak expedition 2010
“Mark is one of the most single minded and dedicated explorers I have ever met. That’s why we are proud to be involved in his challenge. Commitment and collaboration are in his DNA.”
Douglas C. Stoup – US explorer. Polar guide. Cinematographer. Mountaineer. Environmentalist.
“I’m proud to be Patron of Mark Wood’s Expedition to the South Pole. This extraordinary expedition will raise awareness of his Global Schools project. Mark has dedicated his life to adventurer to remote places on the planet. Mark’s North and South Pole Expedition promises to be remarkable. I salute Mark walking to the South Pole in November 2011 and I urge everyone to support him.”
David Moorcroft – MBE / OBE / former world record holder for the 5,000metres.
“The North South Solo attempt that Mark is making is an amazing physical, mental and emotional challenge. Mark is a wonderful example of a person whose levels of ambition and commitment are quite breathtaking and when he succeeds he will truly be a ‘world record’ explorer.”
Bryan Adams – Musician
“Good luck to Mark on his forth coming world first polar attempt to the North and South poles.”
Borge Ousland – Norwegian explorer – photographer – writer
“We had a motto that we used on our first North Pole expedition, that came from a Canadian explorer, Ralph Plaisted. It goes like this:
Think ahead, travel light, and leave your fears behind.
Best of luck with your expeditions. Sounds great!”
Al Gore
“Good Luck”
Cody Strathe
“We are totally reliant on the balance of nature, of the relationship between people, animal and the earth.”
Michael Palin
“I wish you the very best of luck for the attempt – best wishes.”
HRH The Prince of Wales
“I would like to pass on to Mark my best wishes for the success of the expedition.”
Singi Lama
“The Himalayan mountains are sacred – I have seen with my own eyes the glacier ice melting each year and I am worried for the future of my family.”