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John Wilton-Davies, Polar Explorer

In early 2007, John almost became the 7th person in history to walk solo and unsupported to the South Pole, falling short by only a few days  because the last flight out of Antarctica was due to depart.

To get that close you’d think he’d had years of experience but the first time John slept alone in a tent anywhere was in Antarctica that year. Previously the lowest temperatures he’d experienced were in Bournemouth.

In his mid-40s, John decided that the reason so few had ever reached the South Pole under their own power was probably because so few had tried. He left his business, mortgaged his soul to the devil and gave it a go.

On his return, swearing he would never try anything so monotonous, scary or expensive ever again, he swiftly began planning the Last Great Challenge www.lastgreatchallenge.com. 

This time to walk to the Pole and back again. He’s due to leave in 2010.

By Belinda Kirk | Published in: Adventurers, Members | Tags: antarctica, polar, south pole