Terra Nova Plays Vital Part In Historic Polar Expedition
Press Release / 30.09.2015
World-beating specialist camping equipment proudly developed and made in the UK is to play a major part in a pioneering expedition to the South Pole.
Guinness World Record holding outdoor brand, Terra Nova Equipment, is partnering the ‘From Fire to Ice’ expedition which plans to complete Shackleton’s unfinished journey at the same time as carrying out revolutionary medical research. The company, is donating equipment to the six-strong team to ensure they have the ultimate protection from the harsh Antarctic conditions, in tents which are created at their Derbyshire factory.
The tents will be their only shelter from wind-chill factors of minus 50 degrees as well as withstanding the remorseless battering of winter snow storms during the 31-day expedition in 2016. The team will also be kitted out with clothing accessories from the company’s sister brand, Extremities. Tents have now been selected by the expedition team following expert consultations with the Terra Nova team. The tents are the Polar Storm 3 ETC with an extended canopy, which has already been tested by the team against similar elements in the Norwegian wilds, and the Terra Firma four-person model, with added snow valances.
The company stepped in after hearing the compelling story of Rob Small who survived against all the odds when he was engulfed by flames in 2010. From Fire To Ice will see Rob and an internationally renowned medical team aim to reach the South Pole, and research the 'survival switch' believed to be hidden deep within DNA. It will be the first time a non-military burns survivor attempts to reach the Geographical South Pole by completing Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1909 Unfinished Journey. The crew’s adventure will be captured on film and it is hoped the epic story will form a three-part prime-time TV documentary. Before, during and after the expedition the medical team will perform tests while monitoring Rob’s physiology. They hope to determine if there are any clues in his body’s response to the stress of the cold and sustained exercise that might explain his survival.
Explained Terra Nova Equipment director, Carolyn Budding: “A number of the team have used Terra Nova kit on other adventures to remote parts of the globe, and when they told us about Rob’s incredible story we knew we could help them on the road to success. “Our equipment is regarded as world-leading and Rob and the team need the absolute best to ensure their safety against the harshest conditions known to man. “Some of the tents they will take are cut, sewn and finished to the absolute highest standards by our specialists right here in the UK. They will withstand the most challenging environmental conditions and are ultra-lightweight which is vital for the trek.”
Expedition leader Rob Small and colleagues visited Terra Nova Equipment’s Alfreton headquarters to see the tents being made. Said Rob: “This is a massive challenge for all of the team and I have no idea how my body will react to the extreme elements and stress of the journey. “We will be travelling on skis and towing sledges of supplies 112 miles to the South Pole, finally ascending to the polar plateau at almost 10,000 feet and all while living under canvas for 31 days. “So having the most durable and lightweight tents possible is crucial to the success of the expedition and we know Terra Nova make the best lightweight tents available. “In addition, we have seen for ourselves the technical expertise, attention to detail and pride that is going into making our kit. Being able to actually see the process and all that is involved with it gives us greater confidence.”
From Fire to Ice will see Rob accompanied by:
· Kevin Augello, producer and multi-award winning documentary maker;
· Seb Coulthard, photographer and global adventurer;
· Greg Williams, one of the surgeons at the London’s Burns Centre who looked after Rob when he was first admitted to hospital and helped him to survive;
· Andre Vercueil, Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at Kings College Hospital who will lead the medical research;
· Mike Thornewill, renowned Nottingham-based explorer and the expedition guide.
The team also hope to raise money for Dan’s Fund for Burns through the expedition. You can follow preparations for their epic journey or make donations via their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/FromFiretoIce/info?tab=page_info or online at http://fromfiretoice.org or directly on the Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/fromfiretoice.
For further details on Terra Nova Equipment and their involvement in From Fire to Ice visit www.terra-nova.co.uk
