South Pole

In January 2004, Michael McGrath, with the support of his team [pictured right in the penguin enclosure at London Zoo] completed his quest to reach both the North Pole and the South Pole and in doing so, becoming the first disabled person in the world to achieve this feat. Michael has lost some 65% of his muscle bulk as a result of having the debilitating muscle wasting disease, Muscular Dystrophy

The team man-hauled Michael using a specially adapted sledging system, the penultimate 5km. Approximately 350 metres out from the South Pole marker, Michael was lifted from a supine position ie. From a lying down position in the sledge, upright into a standing position with his legs locked.

With the assistance of Miles Peckham, they walked the remaining distance, one step at a time, each step symbolically representing those in our world who have muscle wasting diseases.

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