The Last Great First
The First Full Unsupported Ski Crossing of Antarctica
In October 2022 Climate Advocates, Doctors and Polar explorers, Gareth Andrews and Richard Stephenson, will set off to ski 2600km, pulling their 200kg sleds with all their supplies, coast to coast across Antarctica.
They will endeavour to collect crucial climate data as they make their way slowly across the continent.
If successful, approximately 110 days later they would have achieved “The Last Great First” and provide scientists with a unique dataset to help in the battle to address climate change, now and into the future.
Nobody has ever achieved a full unsupported crossing of Antarctica on skis before.
This expedition starts where the Ross Ice Shelf meets the sea, in October 2022 and finishes 110 days later, on the far side of the Antarctic continent at Berkner Island on the shore of the Weddell Sea.
You’re invited to follow and support us to help achieve this extreme feat of human endurance.
“…the last great adventure in the history of South Polar exploration…”
– Ernest Shackleton
Welcome to The Last Great First.
A crucial slice of cross-continent Scientific Data
This 2600km, 110 day, coast-to-coast Antarctic journey forms the platform for the collection of a unique set of climate data.
Never before gathered, this information will provide climate scientists with crucial insights into our planet’s current climate and enable them to predict future climate changes.
We need accurate predictions of global climate because future generations rely on us to prevent catastrophic climate change.
The Last Great First is a journey for the future of our planet.
Meet the Doctors
Dr Gareth and Dr Richard are both Critical Care Doctors and have been working on the COVID-19 frontline since the start of the pandemic.
They share a passion for adventure and have been exploring the polar regions together for the last 10 years.
How you can get involved
The Last Great First needs your support.
Your generous donation will help with the purchase of safety equipment, team operations, polar clothing and essential supplies for the expedition.
Inspiring Younger Generations
The Last Great First Expedition will bring the future into focus for a new generation, underlining the importance, majesty and fragility of Antarctica and its pivotal role in our survival on this planet.
“The Last Great First will attempt to redress what history has not yet relinquished – a full unsupported coast to coast ski crossing of Antarctica”
Eric Phillips OAM – President of the International Polar Guides Association