Disabled man's pole to pole challenge

Michael McGrath on his expedition to the north pole 2002

A British man with muscular dystrophy is hoping to become the first disabled person to reach both the north and south poles.

Michael McGrath, from Buntingford, Hertfordshire, reached the north pole last year despite severe walking difficulties.

The 38-year-old announced on Friday he would be continuing his pole2pole challenge by setting off to conquer the route to the south pole in January.

Mr McGrath, who will cover most of the distance in either a sledge or a specially-adapted wheelchair, will walk the last degree (89° to 90°) - a distance of about 69 miles.

Funds and awareness

He is aiming to use the challenge to raise £1m to help people with the muscle-wasting disease and raise awareness about the condition.

Mr McGrath said: "This is an opportunity to generate massive awareness and funds whilst doing something productive.

"Although my condition has radically changed the way I live my life, I decided early on that I would do everything I could to have a positive impact on others.

"It's about exploring what people can do as opposed to what they can't do.

"It is the journey towards achieving the goal that is more important than the final destination."

The challenging landscape which lies in front of the expedition

Mr McGrath, who was diagnosed with the incurable condition when he was 18-years-old, has been training for months for the second stage of his journey.

He has to exercise regularly just to retain his current level of mobility and feels the cold more than other people as he has a less efficient circulatory system.

Mr McGrath hopes to reach the geographic south pole on 17 January 2004 - exactly 92 years after Captain Scott conquered the pole.

He will have to brave temperatures of minus 45C during the trek, which is expected to take eight or nine days.

The expedition, called pole2pole, is the launch event for The Muscle Help Foundation, set up to raise global awareness of muscle disorders and to raise funds for research and support.

Expedition patron Robert Swan said: "In 1989, I became the first physically able person to walk unaided to both north and south poles.

"With the support of his team, Michael aims to become the first disabled person in the world to have reached both poles."