Ben Saunders was in Hawaii when he learnt that his fellow polar explorer Henry Worsley had died trying to become the first person to cross Antarctica alone.
Ben Saunders aims to trek 950 miles from Berkner Island to the Ross Ice Shelf pulling a 125kg sled
Lieutenant-Colonel Worsley was only 30 miles from completing his 950-mile journey in January last year. The former SAS officer, 55, called for an emergency airlift but died in hospital days later.
Mr Saunders, a former army officer, is now aiming to complete the same challenge in his friend’s honour. He has the backing of the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, who were friends of Worsley.
“My initial reaction on hearing of Henry’s death was shock but also of not wanting to go near Antarctica ever again,” Mr Saunders told The Times.
In November he will travel