www.missionspiritus.com

Please repost this link on all your socials as Dave and my combined age is 123 years and we are still playing catch up with all the social media platforms out there so we need all the help you can give us 😂 thank you.

Mission Spiritus Antarctica is a Bootneck Ski / Trek multi purpose Polar Expedition from Hercules Inlet to the Geographic South Pole. A 1150 kilometer sled haul across Antarctica. We are two former Royal Marines Alan W Chambers MBE (Mortars) and David J Thomas (Club Swinger) and we depart the UK mid November 2023 and will aim to be stood at the South Pole no later than the 14th January 2024 flying the Royal Marines Charity flag at the bottom of the Earth after 50 + days of hauling all of our supplies with us.

Mission Spiritus Antarctica Expedition is helping raise awareness and funds for the Royal Marines Charity "Mission Critical Campaign" which will support the Royal Marines Family across the globe.

As two former Royal Marines we both know and understand the importance staying in touch with oppo's, friends, colleagues and mates we have met along our journey in the Corps. The Royal Marines family is truly a remarkable network that leans into the Royal Marines Charity when called upon. Dave and I are testament to the strength of the Corps Values and Ethos and its wider message of belonging and purpose. 

Nearly 30 years ago we were both part of the first team to ski / haul across Iceland raising vital funds for Spinal Research as one of our bootneck mates from 40 Commando RM had a C5 break and became quadriplegic. Rick Bell Royal Marines was then wheelchair bound until he very sadly passed away, one of the bravest men I have ever met.

His legacy created a 30 year passion of polar expeditions and fundraising by walking to the North and South Poles and a few hills in the middle. Dave and I met in the Corps 30 years ago to ski across Iceland and now we head off to Ski to the South Pole together, friendships, humour and like mindedness purpose has always been one of the golden strands in the Corps.That hasn't changed....The Royal Marines Charity "Mission Critical Campaign" is needed more than ever, an extraordinary mission, one that will change lives, make a lasting impact, and honour the unwavering commitment of the Royal Marines long into the future.

RMA The Royal Marines Charity is the corps own charity who work tirelessly to offer lifelong support to the RM serving personnel, veteran community and their wider families. The support offered can often be lifesaving and life changing but is always bespoke and tailored to the individual in need. Join us in Mission Critical - whether it be by donating, taking part or spreading the word and help us ensure that we are able to continue to offer the highest level of support as our family grows and the support needs increase.

Help us make a difference. Mission Strength. Mission support. Stronger Together Always By Your Side.

Mission Spiritus Antarctica is a multi purpose Expedition, not only will we be raising much needed funds for the Royal Marines Charity campaign "Mission Critical" in its glorious 360th Year. Dave and I have collaborated with Columbia University Lamont & Doherty Earth Observatory Climate Schools team of world class scientist to help understand the global impact nano plastics have on our planet. We will be collecting ice samples every 20 kilometers which will be housed in a purpose built sled roped behind our normal sleds to keep the samples as pure as possible.

On our arrival at the South Pole these ice samples will make the long journey back to New York and the climate school team who will conduct the scientific investigation into airborne nano plastic effects in Antarctica and share their findings with the world.

Mission Spiritus Antarctica has also collaborated with professor Andy McCann and the Manchester Metropolitan University to conduct a live science project on both Dave and myself while trekking across this remote isolated continent.

Professor McCann and his team will be specifically researching into the effects of sensory deprivation in prolonged areas of remote isolation has on the human body physically and emotionally. The results and findings on how our bodies cope in this environment over the two months will help understand how far the human body and mind can be pushed until it needs a rest therefore always maximising the optimum mental and physical performance on long demanding challenges. 

Mission Spiritus Antarctica has also joined forces with a fantastic Education provider called Spirit Ed.

The founders and CEO of Spirit Ed have a long-term relationship with the Mission Spiritus Antarctica team over many years of expeditions and helping the next generation of our planet’s ambassadors reach their potential and help inform and educate them to look after our planet and help protect our planet for many generations to come. Spirit Ed have designed and launched a tree planting programme around the world using schools and education as their platform to help planet Earth breath again.

Spiritus day is a very simple narrative that allows every person from any background in any country anywhere in the world to make a personal contribution physically and emotionally to help save planet Earth. We must not wait for policy, governments, administrations and commerce to solve the climate issue, as individual humans living on planet Earth we owe mother nature a commitment to do anything within our control to support the delicate climate situation we find the planet in today.

"Spiritus Day" will encourage every person to plant one tree, one sapling, one plant every year they are alive, with the hope that over 100 years Earths population will have supported the regeneration of the trees around the world and helped our planet breath on its own again.Please be part of our global Mission Spiritus team. We will send updates from the Ice and hope to be at the South Pole second week of January 2024.  

From Dave and I we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and have a hoofing 2024.

A huge thanks to our sponsors:

Dear Friends

Mako Trading and Technology

Team Forces UK

NSSL GLOBAL

Gordano Support Group

Charles Cross Design

Mountain Equipment 

Nordic Life

Spirit Ed

Columbia University Lamont Doherty Climate School

Manchester Metropolitan University

The RMA - The Royal Marines Charity exists to help the entire Royal Marines family. Offering a range of services to both serving, veterans and their families.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.