James McCorkindale and Lee Graham cross the Arctic for Nacoa
Personal trainer and SAS: Who Dares Wins contestant James McCorkindale and his friend and client Lee Graham cross the Arctic for Nacoa.
Lee’s mother died as a result of alcohol problems, aged just 42. Determined to help other children affected by their parent’s drinking, the pair set off on the first-ever polar expedition for Nacoa.
Battling freezing conditions over 200km was a challenge every bit as gruelling as it sounds!
On the 26th March 2024, we set off to travel South to North across the Finnmark Plateau in Norway’s Arctic Circle.
Pulling over 70kg on skis up unexpected hills and over frozen lakes for 8-13 miles per day, depending on the weather and terrain, was physically the hardest work I’ve done to date.
The mental and physical challenge
Having previously crossed the Arctic in May 2017 with temperatures as low as -20°C I felt confident.
However, daily temperatures of -30°C, sleeping in a wet sleeping bag due to steam from the stove (used to melt snow for water) frosting and freezing our tent, left me constantly uncomfortable.
Sleepless nights and shivering uncontrollably was mentally testing. Lying awake at 3 am thinking, in a few hours we will be packing away the frozen tent to cover another tough day on the snow and ice, not knowing what lay ahead.
Fighting frostbite
Previously in 2023, an expedition was called off over 6 days into the challenge.
A few days in I was suffering with frost-nipped hands, now understanding what they went through in 2023. But worse still my expedition partner, Lee, had to be evacuated on day 4 due to frostbite on his feet.
11 days in we were ahead of schedule and covering long 13-mile days. With 2 bitter cold yet clear, blizzard-free days to dry out my sleeping bag, my spirits lifted, knowing I’d have an almost fluffy sleeping bag again.
Job done
2 days to go I was celebrating 3 hours of sleep. With frost-nipped fingers, blistered feet, and no days rest, the job was done in 13 days. 2 days quicker than planned.
An epic feat of over 200km and over 600,000 steps over frozen rivers and lakes and up 2 mountains.
Our target was to raise £2000. To date, we have raised £3222 for this fantastic cause.
Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone who sponsored us.
James McCorkindale
aka The Wild Welshman
With unfinished business in the Arctic for Lee, the courageous duo are planning another polar expedition in 2025. Watch this space!
If you’ve been inspired by James and Lee, why not take on your own sponsored challenge?
