A polar journey: Exploring the limits of inclusive adventure

The first inclusive crossing of Greenland: by a British woman.

In Spring 2006, a team of six, in the spirit of Nansen’s first epic crossing of the Greenland, 117 years ago, pushed back the modern-day frontiers of knowledge, technology and exploration, by completing a 600km inclusive traverse of the vast empty arctic desert of Greenland’s ice cap.

34 year old Karen Darke has been paralysed from the chest down since a fall during her University years. She is one of the members of this ground-breaking team, all of whom are well known, both for their cutting edge projects on all corners of the globe and for their media communication and inspirational speaking skills.

This project aims to raise money for the charity Interventure. Interventure provides and develops opportunities for disabled people to participate in adventure sports and outdoor activities. The charity aims to dissolve physical and social barriers to inclusion by working closely with existing outdoor and adventure sports organisations, improving health and quality of life for all involved. Interventure is registered with the Inland Revenue in Scotland, SCO31889

Endorsement

‘By Hands and Feet’ has been endorsed by a number of prestigious organisations, including the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, the Scott Polar Research Institute, the Gino Watkins Memorial Fund, the Danish Polar Centre and, most recently, the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust.

Leaders

Anna McCormack based in Edale, Derbyshire
Phone: +44 (0) 1433 670 392
Mobile: + 44 (0) 7968 281951
E-mail: a.mccormack@zoom.co.uk

Karen Darke based near Aviemore, Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1479 873049
Mobile: +44 (0) 1479 861372
E-mail: venture@equaladventure.co.uk

Country co-ordinators

Finland

Pasi Ikonen, based in Enontekiö
Phone: +358 505772762
E-mail: pasi@frogadventures.com

Norway

Harvey Goodwin, based in Tromso
Phone: +47 77691109 / (0) 92454456,
E-mail: goodwin@npolar.no

Poland

Jacek Olesinski, based in Warsaw
Phone: +48 601 623 044
E-mail: jaceko@carolina-car.com.pl

Expedition patron - Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, expedition patron, talking about this venture, said:

"Knowing most of the people involved in this expedition and the organizations supporting them, I am very happy to support this venture. I believe that the technologies and expertise they will develop will be used to enhance the lives of many – not only those with disabilities. The expedition itself epitomizes the spirit of modern exploration in that they are pushing back the boundaries of one of the world’s final frontiers – winter access to the wilderness by disabled explorers. When they share what they have learned upon their return, I believe that they will inspire others to break down the obstacles standing in the way of their own dreams and to take their first steps towards fulfilling their personal goals."