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Ex-marine becomes oldest to reach South Pole unassisted - charity

Missionspiritus Dave Thomas and Alan ChambersMissionspiritus
Dave Thomas (right) and Alan Chambers reached the South Pole after skiing 1,180km in 58 days while each dragging a heavily laden sled

A former Royal Marine has become the oldest person to reach the South Pole unassisted, a charity has said.

Dave Thomas, from Seven Sisters, Neath Port Talbot, turned 68 in December during his 733-mile (1,180km) ski journey at the bottom of the world.

He and fellow ex-marine Alan Chambers, 56, reached the pole on 19 January after 58 days of battling polar ice.

Mr Thomas said the pair managed the feat by "doggedly sticking" to their routine.

Both explorers dragged heavy sleds filled with the supplies they needed to survive, in wind chill temperatures as low as -42C (-43F) during the two-month trek.

The duo conducted a number of scientific experiments along the way while raising more than £9,000 for the Royal Marines Charity.

The Royal Marines Charity Dave Thomas celebrating his birthdayThe Royal Marines Charity
Dave Thomas spent his 68th birthday in sub-zero temperatures

Mr Thomas said passing the 1,000km milestone a few days before the end of the trip was a "huge milestone for us, emotionally".

"Although we knew then we were on the final push and we still had several days of hard hauling we doggedly stuck to our routine," he said.

"We were determined to keep to our planned pace and resist any temptation to try and sprint for the finishing line!"

Royal Marines Charity Dave Thomas and Alan ChambersRoyal Marines Charity
Dave Thomas made the journey with his friend of 30 years, Alan Chambers

Mr Chambers, who has helped to raise £15m for charity over his 30 years of polar exploration - which has come to end with this trip - thanked his "Royal Marine family" for their support.

"The brotherhood has been a huge support. It's not been an easy feat but our commando spirit has seen us through," he said.

The Royal Marines Charity said: "After an absolutely epic 58 days on the polar ice, battling some of the Earth's most extreme conditions, former Royal Marines Alan Chambers MBE and Dave Thomas have successfully reached the geographic South Pole.

"We send our heartfelt congratulations to Alan and Dave for their absolutely incredible accomplishment. What an unbelievable achievement."