BBC News – Prince Harry backs wounded servicemen’s North Pole trek

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Details of the first unaided trek to the North Pole by disabled servicemen are to be announced by Prince Harry.

The royal, who is patron of the Walking With the Wounded charity organising the four-week trek, will launch the event at The Rifles Club in west London.

The amputees, who lost limbs in the line of duty, will try to reach the geographic North Pole from Siberia.

They will haul heavy sledges over 300 miles (483km) across the frozen Arctic Ocean in temperatures down to -50C.

Organisers say next year’s trek will raise money to help rehabilitate wounded service personnel back into the workplace.

“These guys have such extraordinary courage and determination… we felt doing something extraordinary like this would show these guys are extraordinary people,” said expedition leader Ed Parker.

‘Tenacity and courage’

Expert guides, including adventurers Henry Cookson and Inge Solheim, will accompany the amputees through tough terrain and hazards, including aggressive polar bears.

Mr Solheim said the 15-hour days and extreme cold would be two of the main challenges.

BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner said candidates are still being whittled down for the record attempt in April next year.

Walking With The Wounded promises to be remarkable. I salute the team walking to the North Pole in early 2011 and I urge the public to get behind them Prince Harry

He said those on the final shortlist will undertake their first Arctic ice training in May.

Rob Copsey is one of the four finalists – from which two will be picked – hoping to participate in the expedition.

The former serviceman, who lost his right leg below the knee in an anti-personnel mine during a humanitarian mission in Rwanda in 1994, has already completed three marathons.

“I set myself a challenge early on after losing my leg, I wanted to prove to my friends and family that I was ok.

“Anybody can do it, half the battle is in your head and the other half is the physical side – you can overcome both, you just need to plan and be determined,” he said.

The 25-year-old prince said: “This polar adventure will exemplify the tenacity and courage of those who serve in uniform.

“Walking With The Wounded promises to be remarkable. I salute the team walking to the North Pole in early 2011 and I urge the public to get behind them.”

Harry, who has served in Afghanistan, has been training to become a pilot with the Army Air Corps for more than a year.