Containerised modular critical infrastructure specialist to the rail industry, Mavin Powercube, has announced a partnership with Disabled Adventurer Darren Edwards and his team, who are attempting a record-breaking South Pole Challenge in 2024.
In December this year, Darren and his team will attempt to break the world record for the longest sit-ski expedition to the South Pole, aiming to raise £300,000 for Wings for Life, a non-profit research foundation with the goal of curing Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The Mavin team attended the Expedition press launch event at Red Bull’s HQ in London, meeting the South Pole Challenge team and other sponsors.
Darren, who is leading the polar team which includes three of his closest friends, survived a devastating, life-changing climbing accident, that left him permanently paralysed from the chest down. He has since become a record-breaking adventure athlete, and an inspirational Speaker, who has redefined the limits of what is thought possible for an individual with an SCI.
Darren was the first person with a disability to complete seven marathons in seven days across seven continents in a wheelchair. He also kayaked the length of Great Britain whilst leading a team of injured veterans. His story of overcoming adversity, adapting to change, and building a robust mindset is inspiring people with and without disabilities, from all walks of life.
Following a huge amount of preparation and training, the expedition will begin at their drop-off point in Antarctica, from which the team will cover 333km to the Geographical South Pole. Darren and 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 SCI. Currently, the furthest distance travelled by a sit-ski to reach the South Pole is 111 kilometres. Antarctica is a dangerous place for anyone, let alone someone with a Spinal Cord Injury. Working together, the team will face the risk of extreme temperatures, altitude sickness, exhaustion, and changeable/adverse environmental conditions.
The expedition, whilst seeking to change perceptions of disability, also has another strong purpose behind it; raising funds for Wings for Life.
Wings for Life support promising research projects and clinical studies worldwide into spinal injuries. They have a simple mission: to find a cure for Spinal Cord Injury. You can donate to support Darren’s incredible challenge for Wings for Life at Just Giving: www.justgiving.com/page/southpolechallenge2024.
Mavin Powercube is one of a small group of sponsors, including Canada Goose, British Airways, Victrex, P&G, Team Forces, Tikehau Capital, International Assistance Group, Vallon and Wellspect.
Mavin Director Russ Bartley commented: “The Mavin Powercube partnership with Darren and the South Pole Challenge expedition team is something we’re enormously proud of. Darren is an inspiring character who epitomises the courage and commitment to overcoming adversity, and the challenging of preconceptions, that we value and admire.
“It is a pleasure to support the challenge team as part of our CSR Initiative, as they raise funds for Wings for Life, positively impact lives, and inspire others to embrace new challenges, ultimately fostering the culture of exploration, growth, and wellbeing that we champion at Mavin Powercube.”
You can support Wings for Life via the South Pole Challenge JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/page/southpolechallenge2024.
For more information about Mavin Powercube click here.
Photo credit: Mavin Powercube
