Kier Partnership Homes safety manager Mark Starling is one of twelve stalwarts preparing to embark on a gruelling walk to the North Pole to raise cash for the COINS Foundation. This will be the first completely unsupported attempt by an all-British team.
On 28 March next year the team will leave Canada’s Resolute Bay and begin their journey to the top of the world. The expedition will cover 350 nautical miles, averaging 15 miles per day across ice, pulling all their own supplies by sledge. At least 25 days and nights will be spent on the ice in sub-zero temperatures often falling as low as -50°C. The team will need a daily intake of over 48,000 calories and 80 litres of melted snow to sustain and hydrate them as they face such conditions as Arctic shock, snow blindness, frostbite, crevasses and polar bear attack.
Mark has been granted leave of absence to train for and complete the expedition. COINS and Kier hope to raise a minimum of £50,000 to go directly to COINS Foundation projects.
Mark commented: “Very few people have ever walked to the North Pole unsupported. The challenge is unique and will test me physically and mentally. Please give generously. It is a worthy cause that will spur me on to the pole.”
Tags: North