In the spring of 2010, I along with other trained but novice explorers will be attempting to reach the Arctic Pole (Northern Pole of Inaccessibility) for the very first time. This will mean, skiing approx 200 miles, pulling over 100kg on my pulk (sledge) at temperatures of up to minus 40 degree Celsius (avoiding polar bears on the journey). I’m doing this as part of a personal leadership challenge (in my own time), whilst hopefully raising a significant sum of money for the Fire Fighters Charity.
The Northern Pole of Inaccessibility has never been reached and represents the last true “World First” polar expedition. If we are successful it will be the first expedition in polar history to reach this point. At the same time, we will be delivering the reality of global climate change, benchmarking the condition of the Arctic Ocean and gathering crucial sets of data for the scientific community and conveying the story to audiences around the globe. Jim McNeill will lead four teams as we face nearly 800 miles of treacherous Arctic Ocean reporting daily on the conditions encountered. This is an incredible journey, made even more extraordinary as we are ordinary people from all walks of life with no previous experience but who have a singular, focused goal – making this expedition successful.
Whilst I have not needed the therapy/recuperation services of the Fire Fighters Charity personally as yet, it is reassuring to know that support is there. Even thousands of miles away, I know there will be someone at the end of the phone who will be able to motivate and encourage me during my time on the ice and in addition, when I return, there will be therapy available to help me recuperate. Every year, thousands of fire fighters are injured whilst protecting the public. Every 30 seconds in the UK, fire fighters are called to an incident, putting their lives on the line, and often sustaining physical injuries whilst carrying out their duties. The Fire Fighters Charity provides for fire fighters during their times of need, and assists over 13,500 individuals every year, by providing pioneering treatment and support services. Their modern, dynamic and award-winning charity has three UK centres, located in Cumbria, Devon and West Sussex, which offer varying combinations of therapy and recuperation services. Their pioneering new Beneficiary Support Services also offer local and remote assistance to people in need nationwide – providing solutions to real life problems. It costs over £9 million every year to keep the Charity running, and with no government funding, they are completely reliant upon donations from the general public and fire community.
I know my friends, family and colleagues will give generously (if they don’t I will take them with me on the expedition!!). Thank you in advance for your support. I really appreciate it and know that with your donation, the Fire Fighters Charity will be able to continue to make a difference to so many colleagues within the UK Fire & Rescue Service.
Thank you.
Lee Howell.
