January will see me 'head south' to take part in my second extreme polar challenge - this time to the South Pole.  

Under the leadership of Polar Explorer Alan Chambers MBE I will join  former England Rugby Captain Lewis Moody MBE and 9 other expedition members in an Antarctic challenge to raise vital funds to help people affected by brain tumours. 

This is an expedition in the most remote part of Antarctica, where physiological altitude will be close to 10,000 feet (3350m) for many days in a row, and temperatures may drop below (40°F / 40°C), with severe wind chill and storms.

We will complete 10 hours of ice travel each day in some of the coldest temperatures on Earth as we trek the 'last degree' to the Geographic South Pole in one of the most extreme tests of physical and psychological endurance. 

Why are we doing this? 

Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40. We need to change this horrifying fact. 

The 'head south' team are therefore aiming to raise in excess of £250,000 in order to fund pioneering new research into brain tumours, as only through new treatments and options will the dire survival rates for those with a brain tumour change.

By supporting the Lewis Moody Foundation, The Brain Tumour Charity  and the headsouth team, you will be helping us raise the necessary money to get The Tessa-Jowell Brain-Matrix off the ground

The Brain-Matrix is inspired by the incredible and brave Dame Tessa Jowell MP who lost her life to a brain tumour in 2018.   

It is a first of its kind collaborative clinical trial platform and database that will pool data and samples from 10 centres across the country, enabling researchers to collect and analyse a rich genomic, pathological and imaging dataset and work in an integrated way to improve treatment and outcomes for patients with brain tumours

Thank you for your support.  Every penny makes a difference.

Your funds will not only give the charity and the Brain Matrix much needed support but also give me and the whole 'head south' team the motivation and the energy to succeed at this great challenge!