South - Polar Bens new adventure
Discussion
Could not find any postings already on here about this, but if anyone wants to buy a mile it was very interesting following his exploits last time, and he is one of us.
Dear friends,
First, I apologise for this mass emailing, out of the blue - but for
many of you an email address is all I have.
Many of you already know what I'm planning - the first return journey to
the South Pole on foot: a two-man, 1,800 mile trek from the coast of
Antarctica to the Pole and back. The Norwegian Roald Amundsen made this
journey in 1912, using dog sledges. His rival, Captain Scott tried to
make the same journey on foot - and died in the attempt.
In the 93 years since, it's never been done.
Every other South Pole expedition has either been flown out from the
Pole, or used dogs, kites or vehicles. Ours will be by far the longest
unsupported trek of all time, and we're calling it SOUTH.
In the past I've been lucky enough to have some amazing corporate
sponsors, such as Serco. But for this expedition we thought we'd try
something new. I want SOUTH to be owned (at least in part) by the people
who've sent messages when I've been out on the ice, the people who never
need to ask why, the people who believe in dreaming big.
So here's the deal. I want you to own a mile of this expedition. I'm
going to ask you for $100. If you can afford more, I'd love you to
donate more. In fact, I need you to. But it's strictly one mile per
person or company - though if you want to buy a mile as a present or
encourage friends to buy miles, we really won't get upset.
When we're on the ice, each day's supporters will be thanked on the
website (we'll be averaging 13 miles a day on the way out, 20 on the way
back). Your name will be emblazoned on our sledges and we'll fly a flag
decorated with supporters' names at the Pole. You can read more about
the expedition (and buy a mile!) at http://www.south.com
The expedition is supporting the Human Energy Project - a global
foundation working to cure life-threatening energy impairment diseases
for which there is no effective treatment. It's also the basis for a
massive web-based schools programme created by the Cornwall Education
and Development Service for pupils worldwide.
I've never been much of a salesman, and I feel especially awkward
writing this - because essentially I'm offering you a slice of the
biggest dream I've ever had. I hope you'll look beyond the ice and the
cold and the machismo, and see this for what it really is: a story about
daring to dream really big dreams, and being daft enough to open your
heart and ask everyone else to join in and help out.
We really appreciate whatever support you feel you can give.
Ben Saunders
July 2005
http://www.south.com
"Courage or ambition may take you to the Antarctic but it won't take you
far inside without being found out; it is courage and unselfishness and
good temper and helping one another and a willingness to put in every
ounce you have."
- Sir Ernest Shackleton
Dear friends,
First, I apologise for this mass emailing, out of the blue - but for
many of you an email address is all I have.
Many of you already know what I'm planning - the first return journey to
the South Pole on foot: a two-man, 1,800 mile trek from the coast of
Antarctica to the Pole and back. The Norwegian Roald Amundsen made this
journey in 1912, using dog sledges. His rival, Captain Scott tried to
make the same journey on foot - and died in the attempt.
In the 93 years since, it's never been done.
Every other South Pole expedition has either been flown out from the
Pole, or used dogs, kites or vehicles. Ours will be by far the longest
unsupported trek of all time, and we're calling it SOUTH.
In the past I've been lucky enough to have some amazing corporate
sponsors, such as Serco. But for this expedition we thought we'd try
something new. I want SOUTH to be owned (at least in part) by the people
who've sent messages when I've been out on the ice, the people who never
need to ask why, the people who believe in dreaming big.
So here's the deal. I want you to own a mile of this expedition. I'm
going to ask you for $100. If you can afford more, I'd love you to
donate more. In fact, I need you to. But it's strictly one mile per
person or company - though if you want to buy a mile as a present or
encourage friends to buy miles, we really won't get upset.
When we're on the ice, each day's supporters will be thanked on the
website (we'll be averaging 13 miles a day on the way out, 20 on the way
back). Your name will be emblazoned on our sledges and we'll fly a flag
decorated with supporters' names at the Pole. You can read more about
the expedition (and buy a mile!) at http://www.south.com
The expedition is supporting the Human Energy Project - a global
foundation working to cure life-threatening energy impairment diseases
for which there is no effective treatment. It's also the basis for a
massive web-based schools programme created by the Cornwall Education
and Development Service for pupils worldwide.
I've never been much of a salesman, and I feel especially awkward
writing this - because essentially I'm offering you a slice of the
biggest dream I've ever had. I hope you'll look beyond the ice and the
cold and the machismo, and see this for what it really is: a story about
daring to dream really big dreams, and being daft enough to open your
heart and ask everyone else to join in and help out.
We really appreciate whatever support you feel you can give.
Ben Saunders
July 2005
http://www.south.com
"Courage or ambition may take you to the Antarctic but it won't take you
far inside without being found out; it is courage and unselfishness and
good temper and helping one another and a willingness to put in every
ounce you have."
- Sir Ernest Shackleton
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