Coventry explorer set for biggest challenge

Buy photos» Mark Wood, explorer. 44.011.004.cov.jg1

Steve Carpenter

04 November. Updated: 04 November 14:25

ADVENTURER Mark Wood is days away from beginning his attempt to become the first explorer to ski solo to the South Pole and the North Pole back to back to raise awareness of climate change.

On November 16 Mark Wood, who lives in Stoke, sets off on the first leg of his expedition; the 50-day journey to the South Pole.

The 44-year-old will then fly north of the border to the Arctic where he will cover around 700 miles before reaching his final the North Pole.

"I have been involved with lots of expeditions over the years and guided teams of people on some incredible journeys, but this challenge really will be something to look back on.

"When I left school I didn't know what to do so I decided to take what at the time was the easy option and join the army where I enjoyed that sense of adventure and I suppose I just wanted to maintain that philosophy.

"Doing the expedition solo is the main part. You can't specifically train for 120 days alone in unfamiliar surroundings, but I am comfortable with who I am."

Mark has been involved with several expeditions throughout his career including a 70-day arctic survival in Canada for Cancer Research UK and was a key member of the team which guided Top Gear stars Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May to the North Pole in 2007.

The former Finham Park pupil has helped set up the Educational Schools Programme, giving pupils the opportunity to experience and communicate with him throughout his journey.

"This trip is very much about mass communication. Thousands around the world followed Dame Ellen MacArthur when she sailed around the world solo," he said.

"There needed to be a reason for me to undertake this expedition and I thought if I could run it alongside an educational programme then people would take more of an interest.

"Children from schools around Coventry will be able to view my updates through a wide range of mediums and put their questions to me while I am undertaking the challenge. It will bring the experience to life."

Mark is expecting to complete is journey to the North Pole in and has not ruled out making it his last.

"I have plans to go one better next year," he added.

"There are more big things to come and while I'm away my team will be working to make that happen."

To keep up-to-date with Mark's amazing adventure visit markwoodexplorer.com or follow him on Twitter: twitter.com/markwoodexplore. The Observer will also be tracking Mark's progress throughout his adventure.