Adventurer aims to break South Pole world record

An adventurer who is paralysed from the chest down will attempt to break a world record when he undertakes an epic expedition in Antarctica.

Darren Edwards, from Shrewsbury, will aim to sit-ski 137 miles (222km) to the South Pole over a period of 20 days in December.

In doing so, he would break the record for the longest sit-ski to the South Pole, which stands at almost 69 miles (111km).

As part of the challenge, Mr Edwards, who was paralysed nine years ago while rock climbing in North Wales, hopes to raise £100,000 for spinal cord injury charity Wings for Life.

He will be supported by British explorer Lucy Shepherd, chief scout Dwayne Fields and film-maker Matthew Biggar.

It would be the latest in a number of challenges undertaken by Mr Edwards, which have included crossing Europe's largest ice cap and finishing seven marathons over seven days on seven continents.

He previously said he wanted to change perceptions of disability and was determined not to be defined by his injury.

"I've tried to take adversity and turn it into something positive and for me adventure became that kind of saving grace," he said.

"The thing that really kept me mentally strong and physically strong was just trying to challenge what I thought I could achieve with my injury."

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