British disabled servicemen train for trek to North Pole

From The Telegraph in the UK. In the picture, Guy Disney, left, and Rob Copsey, centre, part of a team of disabled servicemen hoping to march to the North Pole, during a training session in the Arctic Circle.

A team of disabled servicemen training for a 300km march to the North Pole have described the hardships of the challenge following an initial session in sub-zero conditions.

The four servicemen shortlisted to take part in the trek have spent four days in the Arctic Circle preparing.

The quartet were chosen from dozens of applicants and if their bodies can withstand the rigours of the challenge, they aim to become the first amputees to walk unsupported to the geographical North Pole.

Prince Harry is patron of the charity Walking with the Wounded which is organising the four-week expedition and hopes to join the men in their efforts which will be staged next year.

Rob Copsey, one the four amputee servicemen shortlisted, described how the conditions they encountered during training - minus five degrees - caused problems for their artificial limbs.

He said: "We came out to Svaalbard (in the Arctic Circle) expecting to be put through our paces, but it was even a surprise to me how quickly the temperature affected us.

"The problem arises with the exertion we undertake that creates moisture within the bucket that couples our limbs with the prosthesis.

"To avoid chafing and blistering, we need to keep this absolutely dry, something that we found near impossible. Fortunately we have a good few months to sort out this problem and to test our kit."

Mr Copsey, 39, who lives in Dover and works for the UK Border Agency, lost his right leg after stepping on a mine in Rwanda in 1994 when he was a Sapper in the Royal Engineers 9th Parachute Squadron.

During the four training days, which ended late on Sunday, Mr Copsey and his colleagues pulled heavily weighted sledges through the snow as part of their preparations.

He has said walking to the geographical North Pole would be "awesome" and hoped it would inspire wounded people to realise there was "life after amputation".

Walking with the Wounded is appealing for donations in support of the men's efforts and hopes to raise thousands for its work helping to rehabilitate injured service personnel back into employment.

During the four-week trek next April, the amputees will cover up to 300 miles (483km) across the frozen Arctic Ocean, taking the Siberian approach to the North Pole.

Accompanied by expert guides including Henry Cookson and Inge Solheim, the former troops will navigate their way through numerous hazards and tough terrain.

Each participant will pull weights in excess of 243lb (110kg) in sleds while enduring temperatures from minus 15C (5F) to minus 50C (minus 58F) and facing the risk of running into polar bears.