On April 16 2011, Armed Forces charity, Walking With The Wounded (‘WWTW’), joined by Expedition Patron, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and a team of injured veterans, made history by reaching the geographical North Pole.
The team completed the 200-mile challenge in 13 days (3 days ahead of schedule) and covered the greatest distance of any polar expedition that season, battling temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius and pulling their equipment in pulks. Their achievement secured a world-record as the first unsupported team of injured veterans to reach the North Pole.
The expedition raised significant funds for WWTW, propelled the charity into the national spotlight and importantly, demonstrated that veterans, especially those injured during service, could still achieve incredible feats after they left the Armed Forces.
The team included WWTW Expedition Patron, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Expedition Leader and Polar Expert, Inge Solheim, WWTW Founder and CEO, Ed Parker, Simon Daglish and four wounded Servicemen, Captain Guy Disney, Sergeant Steve Young, Private Jaco Van Gass and Captain Martin Hewitt.
Reflecting on the 15-year anniversary, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex said,
“I was honoured to join Walking With The Wounded as Expedition Patron to the North Pole in 2011. The veteran march across the ice served as a powerful reminder of the tenacity and courage of those who serve and who’ve been injured in the line of duty.
“Fifteen years on, I remain immensely proud of what these guys accomplished with WWTW. This incredible expedition helped change public perception at such a crucial time. It shone a light on the importance of supporting those who served, and it encouraged thousands more veterans to speak up and come forward.
“It’s always a privilege to stand alongside the veteran community and to support the vital work of Walking With The Wounded.”
Alongside confronting the natural obstacles and harsh environment, each member of the expedition team sustained serious injuries while serving the United Kingdom on operations overseas.
Fifteen years later, WWTW continues to support veterans and their families across the UK, providing employment support, mental health care and tailored support care coordination to empower those who have served. However, there are still veterans who are in need of our support.
To learn more, visit:
www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk
