News - DUNWOODY CONQUERS VIRGIN ROUTE TO SOUTH POLE
At approx 10.30am 18th January 2008, Richard Dunwoody MBE and American explorer, Doug Stoup, entered the history books by conquering the Geographic South Pole undertaking a hazardous and extremely gruelling route that had only previously been attempted, unsuccessfully, by Ernest Shackleton in 1914. This historic 680 mile expedition took 48 days, was totally unsupplied, crossed nine degree lines and pushed both men to their absolute extremes.
An elated Richard (44 today!) said: “This has been the hardest thing I have ever undertaken, both physically and mentally with every day a 12 hour slog, often uphill, on skis and pulling cumbersome sleds (17 stone at the outset) that just seemed to get heavier as we got lighter. To arrive is indescribable and I am simply ecstatic in spite of my extreme fatigue. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way, in particular my sponsor, Interchange. This is definitely my greatest achievement.”
The team has faced treacherous crevasse fields, one of which nearly claimed Doug in the early phase of the expedition; severely testing inclines up to over 3000 metres; regular whiteout conditions; temperatures of minus 45; as well as experiencing altitude sickness and snow blindness.
Team member, James Fox, also had to abandon the expedition on day 24 due to mental and physical exhaustion leaving Richard and Doug behind time and having to put in 30km days thereafter to make up for lost time and closing in weather.
Both Richard and Doug have lost over two stone in body weight expending about 8,000 calories a day, but only being able to consumer 5,500 – in dehydrated and high calorie foods.
They will now rest at the South Pole station for a few days before returning to the Russian Antarctic base at Novo and then South Africa en route home to England.
John Harrison, MD of The Interchange Organisation, Richard’s title trip sponsor, comments: “To decide to achieve something in ones life, to set a goal and to reach it is the peak of personal achievement. To decide to achieve something and to set a goal that no one has achieved before, to have that vision, to reach out and actually do it, is the peak of human achievement. In a word ..or two. To boldly go where no man has been before! Congratulations Richard and Doug – fantastic!”
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