Ex Royal Marine from Wales takes on South Pole in historic expedition

Dave Thomas (pictured left/right), a serial adventurer and former Royal Marines Commando from Seven Sisters in South Wales, has arrived in Antarctica at the start of another epic expedition, this time aiming to become the oldest person to ski unsupported from Hercules Inlet to the Geographic South Pole as part of Mission Spiritus Antarctica.

The multi-purpose ski/trek polar expedition features a sled-haul of 1,150-km with fellow Bootneck, Alan Chambers MBE wth whom he has been buddies for 30 years.

Also fundraising and raising awareness of RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, their aim is to be standing at the South Pole no later than the 14th January 2024, flying the Charity’s flag at the bottom of the world after 50 + days’ hauling all their supplies with them.

Mission Spiritus Antarctica is, however, first and foremost a multi-faceted scientific and educational expedition involving global collaboration with eminent establishments around the world.

On their way to the South Pole, the duo are conducting experiments into the spread of nano plastics into the world’s cleanest environment, and a human health study to further understanding of temporal and human performance on the ice.

As well as supporting charitable events, Dave has led and participated in numerous expeditions at home and abroad including Norway, Canada, Costa Rica, Borneo, Corsica, Panama, Kenya, Tanzania, Nepal, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, France, Vietnam, and Iceland including the execution of the first successful winter crossing of Iceland on skis from the West coast to the East, attempted six times previously by various nationalities, it having been deemed un-crossable.

He maintains his active lifestyle through experiential leadership events working with a wide range of abilities from 6-year-old children through to blue chip organisations, utilising both indoor and outdoor classrooms as a vehicle for personal and organisational development.

Dave Thomas (right) and Alan Chambers arrive in Antarctica at start of Mission Spiritus Antarctica