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My story

 

Two feet on the table - Arctic expedition - 11th April

I am not a great one for seeking donations, maybe because I get deluged weekly. However, this North Pole challenge, on which I shall shortly embark is unlikely to be repeated! So if you are feeling generous (and I consider a 'tenner' extremely generous) the charity we are raising money on behalf of is the Naomi House Children's Hospice. Naomi House is a local hospice,  providing care and support for terminally ill children and their families.

There are 9 of us in the team, all friends, including Sam and George who will embark with youthful vigour on their side. Their combined age is a distant birthday for me. However as those of you familiar with the Corporate Athlete programme will know, age is no longer an excuse. So convinced of this are the proponents Fred and Adam, that they are coming too. To ensure we have adequately mixed skills, as my chemical engineering is unlikely to bring much benefit to bear, we have an ex Sandhurst man, Chris, who has been ruthlessly trained to save his fellow man   (I hope!) and two ski guides to help people put their skis on, Jeannot and Henri from Le France.

So we gather in Longyearben in Spitzbergen for a days 'intensive' training on April 11, then fly in a rather worn Russian Antonov 74 to Ice Station Barneo. Immediately we step forth into the Arctic wilderness heading North for roughly 10 days in the hope of reaching the elusive pole. Prime challenges include pressure ridges where the ice is crushed and needs to be negotiated with our sledges in tow, open leads where the ice has split and presented watery challenges, thin ice, weather (it was -70 centigrade a few weeks ago), ice drift negating progress and of course those lovely cuddly bears.

So piece of cake. Rumour has it that only a small number have actually made it on foot and very soon it may not be possible as the Polar icecap is diminishing rapidly each year.

There will be a daily report logged on a website by our suitably fit looking guide Doug Stoup as we make our way North. To view this go to: http://www.iceaxetv.com . And on arrival, we shall be met by Alessia at the Pole

If you feel compelled to forward to a friend please feel free to do so.

Thanks and regards, Jim.

On behalf of Jim Ratcliffe and his recent expedition to the North Pole. Donation by Chris Pappas 01/06/09  

I will always remember your happy proud faces at the North Pole, the cold and the vodka at breakfast!! Well done my heros.Double donation as promised Donation by Alessia 30/04/09  

Congratulations to all the team Donation by Robin and Judy Hutson 22/04/09  

For a great cause, good on you all Donation by Julie Smith 21/04/09  

Congratulations on an incredible achievement! So when is the South Pole challenge? :-) Donation by Nathan Moore 21/04/09  

Best of luck to you all. Donation by Tony/Suzy Verrijckt 21/04/09  

Jim - hope you're keeping cool under pressure!! Donation by Nathalie Hirst 20/04/09  

Well done to everyone Donation by Calum MacLean 20/04/09  

Enjoy the trip home. Donation by Tony Loftus 17/04/09  

A great achievement & a great cause. Congratulations !! Donation by Paul Overment 17/04/09  

Just back from skiing in Switz, not quite the same, best of luck to you all Donation by Dave Brooks 16/04/09  

All the best... you must be mad! Donation by Harry 16/04/09  

Good luck to you all - hope you got the suntan lotion with you Donation by Wolf 16/04/09  

20 feet on the table, that's the picture we want to see! Good luck to you all! Donation by Diane and Christian 15/04/09  

Great adventure - take care Donation by Gerd F 14/04/09  

good luck to you all and wrap up Donation by chris coles 13/04/09  

Now that's what I call a challenge......I prefer Alessia's option! Good Luck and keep safe. Donation by Julie Murtagh 13/04/09  

Good luck to everyone in the team Donation by James Allman 13/04/09  

Watch out Polar bears...bring us a teddy bear one.. be nice to my aunty.. Good luck xxx Donation by Little Laura & Matilde 11/04/09  

Mad Monelli...we will look after little monkey.. be safe. Good Luck xxx Donation by Arcangelo & Laura 11/04/09  

Completely mad. Good luck Donation by Guy and Cara 11/04/09  

good luck guys - tread gently and keep your eyes open for black noses Donation by nick, sally, justin and oli 10/04/09  

What on earth next! Round the Horn we think is a possible. Good luck lots of hugs and kisses for a safe return. Donation by Frank & Nancy 10/04/09  

Hope you don't freeze round the Polar region...oh and don't forget to leave the bike out!! Keep safe XX. Donation by Gary Mary Alex & Tom 10/04/09  

In the footsteps of Nansen and Amundsen.Make sure you all come back safe and sound. Donation by Tim Effie Charl Soph Will 09/04/09  

Good Luck and safe return. Donation by Mike Heath 09/04/09  

Good luck! Donation by Mike Llewellyn 09/04/09  

Very best of luck to you all! What a fantastic adventure, we will follow your progress with a hot cuppa in hand! Great cause, Best from all at RWD Donation by RWD 09/04/09  

What an undertaking, wrap up warm and be safe Donation by James and B 09/04/09  

Sam and George - Please look after your old man Donation by Alan and Marie 09/04/09  

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