From Alan……….
Many of you will have wondered how touch this is given my eyesight so I wanted to try and describe as best I can the particular challenges I face. I am fortunate to the extent that I still have some sight left. This allows me to appreciate the beauty of Antarctica but it limits me to the extent to which I need to lean on my team mates. The best way I can describe it is like looking through frosted glass with a blind spot in the centre. On practical terms it means I am able to ski relatively unaided, as long as I stick right behind the person who is leading, I guess the silver lining to my situation is that I get out of doing any navigation! However once visibility decreases or terrain changes from flat to sastrugi or there are any sharp drops I have to reach out to Richard, Andrew and Hannah.
Perhaps the larger challenge is the more mundane things, for example I cannot see any detail on small things like the clips on some parts of the tent, arranging my harness and helping with parts of the cooking. With cooking, I cannot read what I put out for dinner so I end up putting out the same beef stew as the past 4 nights, now beef stew is a good meal, but one that loses its novelty value after 4 days!
Thinking about particular challenge I face I constantly remind myself nothing compares to those that have more pronounced sight loss on a daily basis. I should also acknowledge Mark Pollock who is completely blind, Mark took part in a polar race in 2009, whilst our challenges are different i.e. mine is coast to pole, I can only imagine how much of a challenge he faced with no sight at all.
Finally as I contemplate on the last push I hope that what we are doing will give inspiration and motivation to all those that are following us, from Sight Savers, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Perkins and the Carroll centre and others. Speaking to many blind and partially sighted in our calls from Antarctica it is very uplifting to hear their own dreams and hear the confidence in their voices, I hope we can help in some small way to achieve their own ambitions, just as talking to them has inspired us to reach the pole.
I would like to add that you can all still donate to our charities through our indegogo site or paypal.
Alan – Not long now! You’ve all done brilliantly.
This will make you laugh!
A recent newspaper report stated that 2 Atlantic rowers (9 days out – just out of rescue range) capsized, and took to the life raft. They were shortly picked up by a 5 star cruise liner. Sounds fishy!!
All the best – DAD XXX
Wishing you and your team mates a very happy new year, Alan. Love reading the blogs. Thinking of you on this amazing adventure. Best wishes Michele and phil (your old Kilimanjaro buddies)
Alan, you are truly an inspiration to me and others with disabilities. You show others through example, your determination, strength, drive, and with a little assistance, you show them one can overcome and persevere! Never stop believing Alan…Best of Luck in the rest of your journey. God Speed…
Almost there Alan! Best of luck for the final leg. Proud of you…
Nice one bud. Good luck for the final stretch- Have a good new years eve!
You are truly an amazing person Alan, I have logged onto the web today for the first time. Words are insufficient to express what you all have achieved and how brave you all are on this expedition. I will attempt to describe this to my sister, who has been diagnosed with MD, but is still in denial, in the hope that this will bring her some comfort. Thank you all for your courage and determination. Truly Amazing ….. Wishing you a speedy and safe return.