We are thrilled to announce that Mission Spiritus Antarctica has successfully reached the geographic South Pole! Former Royal Marines, Alan Chambers MBE and Dave Thomas, completed this gruelling expedition on 19th January 2024, conquering 60 days on the polar ice amidst some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
At 68 years old, Welshman Dave Thomas, from Coelbren near Port Talbot, has made history, setting a new world record as the oldest person to reach the South Pole – surpassing the previous record by an impressive four years. This achievement coincides with the 360th anniversary of the Royal Marines, making the moment especially poignant for Alan as well, as it marks his final chapter in a 30-year career in polar exploration. Alan’s contributions have included extensive expeditions across Greenland and the North and South Poles, helping raise over £15 million for charity. This mission alone has raised over £12,000 (including Gift Aid) for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity.
The pair embarked from Hercules Inlet on November 22nd, covering 1,150 kilometers on skis, entirely unassisted, while hauling heavily loaded sleds with food, fuel, and equipment. Throughout their journey, they faced high winds and extreme temperatures reaching -24°C, with wind chills down to -40°C. The final stretch was marked by especially demanding conditions, with white-outs and unrelenting winds that required sharp focus and meticulous planning.
Reflecting on the journey, Alan remarked, “Mission Spiritus has been two years in the making – an immense effort in planning, organising, training, and fundraising just to get to the starting line. None of this would have been possible without our incredible sponsors, families, and supporters. Our gratitude for their belief in our mission is beyond words. The unwavering support from the Royal Marine family, past and present, has also been a tremendous source of strength.”
For Dave, who celebrated his 68th birthday during the expedition, the journey was both physically and emotionally demanding. “Reaching the 1,000km mark was a significant milestone,” he shared. “Although we knew we were on the final push, we stuck to our routine and resisted the urge to sprint toward the finish line. Persistence was our strength.”
Mission Spiritus Antarctica is a multi-faceted scientific expedition with a mission to advance research on the global impact of nano plastics in partnership with Columbia University Lamont, as well as studying the effects of sensory deprivation in extreme, remote climates in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University. Additionally, the mission is dedicated to raising critical funds for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity.
Mission Spiritus thanks our supporters, sponsors, and everyone who believed in our journey. This expedition was only possible through your dedication and belief in the cause.
