Mark Stewart

A walk to the North Pole: an opportunity to experience an environment under threat from climatic change, a reason for me to get fitter, a challenge, something to aim for and an adventure. Or, as my wife Nicol put it, a mid life crisis but cheaper than a divorce.

I am 47 and have never been on a walking holiday or cross-country skied. The closest I have been to camping is family holidays more than 10 years ago in Cornwall on a caravan site. And yet, as soon as this trip to the North Pole was suggested, I knew that I wanted to be part of the group of Arctic novices Dave was putting together.

 

We have gradually learnt more about what the trip involves: the hours needed to set up the tents and melt ice for water, the risks of frost bite to your more delicate extremities, the effect of a full moon on the ice and generally what it takes to live on the ice. We are building up our fitness and my Jack Russell now knows not to get in the way of a panting posse of tyre draggers. People have noticed that my stomach is not as big as usual and asking why. It all means that for me the walk has become an exciting reality.

The Place 2 Be and Keech Cottage Children's Hospice

Personally I think I will get a great deal out of preparing for the walk and the trip itself. I also hope to use it to benefit two charities. Along with Alan and Michael, and with the help of Clifford Chance, I have decided to support The Place2Be and Keech Cottage Children's Hospice. These are both small children's charities where I believe our fundraising will make a real difference. Details of these charities can be obtained from their websites via the links above.