Expedition to Antarctica

In December this year, Alan Lock – a former Royal Navy Officer and current member of the Macular Disease Society of the United Kingdom – is hoping to take on one of the toughest challenges in the world: to trek from the coast of Antarctica all the way to the South Pole.

Alan, 30, is organising the expedition with US and British teammates, including a former successful Antarctic explorer and a decorated US Army Veteran. They will cover a distance of nearly 600 miles, expending over 7000 calories per day and taking on one of the harshest environments on the planet.

If Alan is successful in this attempt he will set a new Guinness world Record for this feat. The ‘Polar Vision’ team will be undertaking this challenge in order to raise awareness and funds for two sight related charities: Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Sightsavers International. Guide Dogs for the Blind is a San Rafael, California – based non-profit that serves blind and visually impaired people in the U.S. and Canada. 

Sightsavers International is focused on the developing world, seeking to prevent blindness and provide rehabilitation to some of the world’s most marginalised people. As someone with MD, Alan is also keen to use the expedition to highlight the condition and also to hopefully inspire and motivate other people in a similar situation.

“I am really excited about this project and the positive impact it can have on many people with sight problems. It is going to be a real challenge, both in Antarctica and in trying to organise the endeavour – but if it was easy there would be no challenge!”

“We are trying to reach out to companies who may wish to become corporate sponsors of the team, and if anyone can help us with contacts we would be enormously grateful.”

Click here for the website and here for the promo video. Contact Alan at alan@polar-vision.org