South Pole Race team get a heroes' welcome home
26 January 2012
The British Army expedition which completed the most authentic-ever recreation of the famous Scott-Amundsen race to the South Pole today - flew back into London triumphant today.
Lt Col Henry Worsley MBE and WO2 Lou Rudd of the Amundsen team, and WO2 Mark Langridge, SSgt Kev Johnson and SSgt Vic Vicary of the Scott team were reunited with friends and family at the airport after nearly three months apart.
l-r: SSgt Kev Johnson, WO2 Mark Langridge, SSgt Vic
Vicary, Lt Col Henry Worsley MBE
The expedition has so far raised a staggering £55,000 for The Royal British Legion's crucial work, providing care and support to Armed Forces families, with plans to raise more money in the coming months.
Following the arrival of both teams at the Pole, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, Patron of the Scott Amundsen Centenary Race 2011/2012 sent a personal message of support and congratulations. The Duke said:
"As a serving Officer, it makes me so proud that, with the staunch support of The Royal British Legion, it is British soldiers who have achieved this great feat. Four out of the five men who went forward as Scott's final party were Servicemen too. How proud they would be too of what you have achieved in their memory."
The epic two-month journey saw both teams battle some of the planet's toughest terrain and hazardous weather conditions to cover a combined distance of 1481 nautical miles unsupported. The teams carried all their food and fuel across the ice in sledges weighing 140kg each, experiencing temperatures as low at minus 51 degrees Celsius.
The teams read diary extracts from the original expeditions to give them encouragement on their journey. The Scott team also paid homage to the original expedition by marking the point where each member died en route.
The Legion's Director of National Events and Fundraising Russell Thompson said: "It's wonderful to hear that the expedition is back safe and well from their epic journey across the Antarctic. Their extraordinary skill and determination is a testament to our current Armed Forces. The Royal British Legion is immensely proud of all they have achieved and very grateful for their support."
The money raised from the expedition will go towards The Royal British Legion's £50 million funding commitment supporting the MoD's programme of recovery for wounded, sick and injured Armed Forces personnel.
Visit the Race website at www.scottamundsenrace.org
