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The Interchange Shackleton Pole Expedition 2007

Latest News from Richard
Retired Champions Ride again - race review

Fundraising Update

Richard's successful expedition to the Geographic South Pole has raised approx £80,000 for his three charities, SPARKS, Spinal Research and Racing Welfare.

Richard comments: "I would like to thank everyone so much for their generous support of my expedition via all the donations that have been sent in as well as everyone's generosity at the various fund-raising events that we've held. Without this support, and that too of my sponsor, www.interchange.co.uk, my trip would have not been possible. I have now recovered from the challenge, so am starting to think about 'what next'!"

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Dunwoody conquers South Pole 18th January 2008

For more of Richard's expedition audio footage and photos, click here.

Richard Dunwoody MBE and American explorer Doug Stoop entered the history books on Friday, January 18th by conquering the Geographic South Pole by a hazardous and extremely gruelling route that had only previously been attempted, unsuccessfully, by Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1914/15.
They arrived at the Pole on Richard's 44th birthday after 680 miles and 48 days, crossing nine degree lines, on a totally unsupplied expedition which pushed both men to their absolute extremes.

An elated Richard said:

"This has been the hardest thing I have ever undertaken, both physically and mentally with every day a 12 hour slog, often uphill, on skis and pulling cumbersome sleds (17 stone at the outset) that just seemed to get heavier as we got lighter. I am exhausted. To finally arrive at the pole is indescribable and my greatest achievement."

The team faced treacherous crevasse fields, one of which nearly claimed Stoup's life in the early phase of the expedition; severely testing inclines up to over 3000 metres; regular whiteout conditions; temperatures of minus 45; as well as experiencing altitude sickness and snow blindness.

Team member James Fox had to abandon the expedition on day 24 due to mental and physical exhaustion leaving Dunwoody and Stoup behind time and having to put in 30km days thereafter to make up for lost time and closing in weather.

Both Stoup and Dunwoody have lost over two stone in body weight expending about 8,000 calories a day, but only being able to consume 5,500 - in dehydrated and high calorie foods.

John Harrison, MD of The Interchange Organisation, Richard's title trip sponsor, commented: "To decide to achieve something in one's life, to set a goal and to reach it is the peak of personal achievement. To decide to achieve something and to set a goal that no one has achieved before, to have that vision, to reach out and actually do it, is the peak of human achievement. In a word ..or two. To boldly go where no man has been before!

Congratulations Richard and Doug - fantastic!

Richard's official charities are SPARKS, Spinal Research and Racing Welfare

MARTIN JOHNSON
England rugby legend (SPARKS president 2005/06)

"I'm full of admiration for Richard Dunwoody's great South Pole challenge. Especially as he's already done the North Pole and is still prepared to take on the other one! Richard has been a great SPARKS supporter and patron over the years and this just underscores his dedication to our mission to give more children the best start of all in life......a healthy one."

GABBY LOGAN
TV presenter and SPARKS patron

"Richard Dunwoody was a great champion in the saddle and he's also been a great champion in supporting SPARKS. I'm sure Richard will show the same determination in taking on the South Pole as he always did taking on the most fearsome fences at Aintree or Cheltenham. I'm just delighted Richard's picked SPARKS to benefit from his latest epic adventure. Thank you, Richard, and good luck, stay warm!"