Haydale is pleased to announce their sponsorship of Wales based 65 Degrees North and their attempt to record the World’s first unsupported crossing of the Greenland ice cap by an amputee.
In May 2015, Peter Bowker an amputee from the recent conflict in Afghanistan and the five other members of the team at ’65 Degrees North’ will cover the near 600 km crossing of the ice cap from Kangerlussuaq in the West to Kulusuk in the East. The team will be conducting the unsupported crossing on skis, pulling “pulks” weighing up to 300lbs containing their food, clothing and survival equipment. Collectively they will battle against the distance and fatigue, temperatures as low as -37°c and the resident polar bears. This world record attempt is estimated to take between 24 – 30 days with Peter being supported by some former Special Forces personnel.
Ray Gibbs, CEO at Haydale, commented: “As a Wales based business we are very proud to be involved in this all Welsh attempt which aims to raise funds in support of Help for Heroes. The defence industry is just one area where our technology can, and will, make a difference. It was only right that we provided some help both financially and technically. Peter is a truly inspirational character and I wish him and his team well in their endeavour.”
Rich Morgan, Project manager 65 degrees north commented: “The support offered by Haydale has been a key driver in this project and will help move the team forward to achieve this worlds first The 65 degrees north expedition is being undertaken to raise funds and awareness for Help for Heroes, the British charity helping to provide better facilities for British servicemen and women who have been wounded or injured in the line of duty.“