Support Neil Wray’s Record-Breaking Challenge:

Firefighter, ex-soldier and amateur boxer Neil Wray is taking on an extraordinary mission: to become the first firefighter in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole. This extreme expedition isn’t just about endurance – it’s about opening up a conversation that too many in the public sector still struggle to have.

Neil is using this challenge to raise awareness for mental health within the emergency services, especially encouraging men to talk, open up and seek support when they need it. As a firefighter and boxer, Neil knows what is means to fight hard, but he also knows the toughest battles are often the ones that no one sees.

To make this mission possible, Neil needs to raise £100,000 for essential equipment, logistics and training. Every penny raised above this, goes directly to The Firefighter’s Charity, supporting firefighters and their families through injury, illness and most importantly, mental health struggles.

Leading up to the trek, Neil and team ‘Wray in the Wild’ will be running a series of charity events, with funds split between making the expedition possible and supporting this vital cause.

By donating, you’re not only backing an incredible world-first attempt, but are sparking life-changing conversations, supporting mental health and standing with the people who stand for all of us.

About Neil:

“I grew up in Shoreham and from a young age have chased big, ambitious challenges. My dad coached a local boxing club and after overhearing him doubt whether I had what it took, I trained relentlessly, eventually earning the honour of representing England.

Looking for my next test, I joined the Army and won ‘Top Recruit of the Year’. I went on to serve in peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, represented the Army Boxing team and became a service ‘Personal Training Instructor’. Alongside my own journeys, I have always loved helping others grow, spending over 20 years coaching boxing and running events that push people beyond their limits.

In 2019, I followed another dream and became a Firefighter for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service – again winning the top recruit award, known as the ‘Silver Axe’ in the Fire Service world. I take huge pride in the work we do and continue to learn every day.

My life as been dedicated to service, whether it be in the military, the Fire Service, or in the boxing ring.

Now I’m ready for my biggest challenge yet. After completing polar training in Finse, Norway and proving to myself that I am truly capable, I am all in.

I am going to ski to the South Pole.”

The Challenge:

In November 2027, Neil will set out to become the first Firefighter in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole – covering over 700 miles in approximately 45 days. Only 52 people in the world have managed to ski solo to the South Pole, with only 18 of them achieving it unassisted (with no resupplies).

He will be covering more than 25km per day, pulling a sled weighing over 100kgs, loaded with all the supplies he needs to survive.

There will be no resupply, no assistance and no shortcuts – just Neil, his skis and his sled, in one of the toughest environments on the planet.

The South Pole is one of the coldest places on Earth, with temperatures plummeting to -80 degrees Celsius. It sees only one sunrise a year, with 24 hours of daylight in summer and complete darkness in the winter. Winds can exceed 60mph and Neil will have to navigate dangerous terrain, push through whiteouts and climb over 2800m in altitude.

A breakdown on the £100,000:

• £60,000 – Antarctica South Pole Logistics

o Permits, safety, emergency evacuation cover, base camp operations.

• £15,000 – Greenland Ski Expedition

o A required training expedition to demonstrate polar readiness.

• £10,000 – Specialist equipment and clothing

o Pulks, tents, skis, thermal wear, food systems, safety gear.

• £8000 – Travel & Freight Costs

o Transport for gear and personnel to/from expedition sites.

• £5000 – Training & Conditioning

o Polar training, crevasse rescue, survival simulations.

• £2000 – Media & Awareness Campaign

o Photography, website, outreach and post-expedition content.

Any money raised over the £100,000 target will be donated directly to The Firefighter’s Charity.

Team ‘Wray in the Wild’ will share regular updates, including full public transparent breakdowns of costings.