North Pole

I am delighted to report that The Christopher Cope North Pole Expedition together with the historic first ever walk to 90 degrees North by a person with Muscular Dystrophy [Michael McGrath] was a tremendous success. The North Pole was reached at 01.23am on Saturday 20th April, 2002 ... and a tincture of Grouse was made even more famous despite the temp being -42 below zero [including wind-chill].

Huge thanks to everyone for their enormous support, belief, and above all encouragement in making the impossible possible.

Despite the delays in Spitzbergen due to bad weather on the Arctic ice, the incisive decision-making capability of the Major, the defection of our Russian pilots whose trading currency appeared to be cases of vodka and used dollar bills, this expedition was an experience never to be forgotten.

Walking the final 150 metres assisted by Christopher Cope and then standing in the upright position on top of the world in such a hostile, bitterly cold, raw, yet stunningly beautiful environment, in support of those with the muscle wasting disease Muscular Dystrophy, is a memory that will be with my fellow cohorts and I forever.

We are reminded of the famous words of the real explorers of a bygone era such as Robert Peary (1909) who said "The Pole at last!!! My dream and ambition ... mine at last".

Media coverage included Sky News, BBC Look East, Anglia Television, The Daily Mail, The Evening Standard, Heart 106FM, BBC Three Counties Radio. This helped to raise awareness, inform and educate people across the United Kingdom about Muscular Dystrophy. Many have asked the question: "What next for Michael McGrath?" Suffice to say, what goes up must go down!

Over £150,000 was raised and these funds are being applied by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign through The North Star Project that aims to establish a database to audit and review clinical practice for children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Timeline: Click here to find to view the timetable for my North Pole journey