In December 2024, Darren Edwards will attempt to complete the longest sit-ski expedition in the history of Antarctic exploration. In this epic undertaking to reach the South Pole, Darren will be supported by a team of three. This challenge will redefine the limits of human endeavour and will stand as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and teamwork to transcend limitations.

On the 6th of August 2016, Darren sustained a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in a near-fatal climbing accident that left him paralysed from the chest down. This life-altering moment was the starting point of Darren's incredible story of overcoming adversity and redefining what is thought possible for an individual with an SCI.

Starting 333 kilometres from the Geographical South Pole, referred to as the ‘last three degrees’, the team will face temperatures below -20C, and will be operating at the very limit of what is possible for someone with a high-level Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Currently, the furthest distance travelled by a sit-ski to reach the South Pole is 111 kilometres. 

Together we can find a cure for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)…

There are an estimated 50,000 people in the UK living with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and each year approximately 2,500 people are newly injured. Globally, more than 300,000 people suffer an SCI each year (World Health Organisation). It can happen to anyone at any time, and the impact lasts a lifetime. Spinal Cord Injury is a truly life-changing injury, one which affects more than just one’s ability to walk, but all functionality below the injury site (bladder, bowels, sexual function, immunity, temperature control etc).  

Wings for Life fund the world’s most promising scientific research and clinical trials around the globe, aimed at finding a cure for spinal cord injury. Since its inception in 2004, Wings for Life has funded more than 270 research projects worldwide, including six major clinical trials, and a a number of vital breakthroughs have been made. There is now real and legitimate hope spinal cord injury can be cured in a generation.