By Tim Saunders on
Prince William – HRH The Duke of Cambridge – is patron of a fantastic expedition to the South Pole that is about to get under way for charity.
Henry Worsley With Captain Oates’ Medal
The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race will see a team of six serving soldiers retrace the journeys of Captain Scott and Roald Amundsen in their bid to be the first to the South Pole in 1911/12. The expedition aims to celebrate the centenary of this significant British event – the tragic but heroic death of Captain Scott and his party – as well as to raise funds for The Royal British Legion, in particular for their Personnel Recovery Centres.
“I am proud to be Patron of The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race,” says the Duke of Cambridge. "This extraordinary adventure will remind us of the immense and inspirational challenges faced by Captain Robert Falcon Scott, Roald Amundsen and their teams in the name of exploration. The world benefited from their heroism and it is right that we remember their enduring story and achievements.
“Six serving members of the British Army are taking on this expedition, and I am delighted that they have chosen to support the Royal British Legion in its 90th anniversary year. The Centenary Race will, for the first time, retrace the original routes of Scott-Amundsen without any outside assistance, reliving what remains a defining moment in polar exploration. This fitting tribute exemplifies the courage, determination and pioneering spirit shown by early 20th Century explorers, and which lives on today in the British Armed Forces.
“The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race is a remarkable adventure, which will be a test of character, strength and resilience. I urge you to join me in supporting both teams to achieve their goal.”
“You will be able to follow our journey daily on the website, as members of each team will send back a daily audio message with the occasional photograph,” says expedition leader and founder of the Shackleton Foundation Lt Col Henry Worsley, MBE. "We are treating it as a race and you will be able to chart the progress of both teams – but we will not know how each other is getting on.
“Notably – I have been entrusted to take Captain Oates’s polar medal with us; an object of national significance.
“In order for us to raise substantial funds for the Royal British Legion we need to have as many people following us as possible. In return for us entertaining you for two months I will be asking for everyone to consider making a donation to the RBL as we near the end of our journeys in January 2012.”
The Royal British Legion Director of Fundraising Russell Thompson OBE added: "As they make preparations to leave, we wish The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race 2011/12 team every success in their expedition.
“They will be the first team to retrace the exact routes of the original expeditions to the South Pole and we’re honoured that they’re doing it to raise money for The Royal British Legion Battle Back Centre for injured Service people.”
To find out more about the expedition and give the boys your support, click here.
Copyright © 2011 Look to the Stars
