Location
The North Pole
Elevation (above sea level)
Sea Level
Completed April 2011
In April 2011, Adaptive Grand Slam team members, Martin and Jaco became the first disabled athletes in history to walk unsupported to the Geographic North Pole, with and in aid of Walking With The Wounded. The expedition was ‘to provide inspiration to those coping with injury and disability, and rebuilding their lives’ and was supported by HRH Prince Harry. The team’s journey was televised on BBC 1 in the documentary ‘Harry’s Arctic Heroes’ .
Prince Harry commented on the team’s accomplishment: “I’m absolutely thrilled that the guys have made it – what an awesome achievement. They should be incredibly proud of making this world record, as we are proud of them.
I took part in only a small section of the trek, but know full well how physically demanding it was. The spirit and determination of these lads is second to none. They are true role models.” He joked that they were “showing off” by arriving early.”
In an interview with the BBC, Expedition spokesman Alex Rayner commented: “The Walking with the Wounded team have reached their goal faster than almost every able-bodied team I know, and frankly that doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. The training and determination of the wounded boys just shows that injuries need not be a barrier to living a full and rewarding life.”
