My Story

My Journey: Dreams on Hold — But Not Dead

I’ve lived a life most people only dream about. I’ve stood on the summit of Kilimanjaro, Mera Peak, Denali, and the North Side of Everest. I’ve skied well over 70 weeks of my life, worked as a ski instructor, and done specialist one-to-one South Pole expedition training in Norway. I’ve completed countless climbing courses in Scotland and, for more than 16 years, owned an adventure company where I’ve done just about everything — wing walking, rafting the Grand Canyon, bungee jumping, skydiving… you name it, I’ve probably done it.

My mantra has always been simple: Dream bigger than you ever thought possible, then go and live that dream.

That dream led me to The Triple Crown of Antarctica — a world-first unsupported expedition. Ski from Hercules Inlet through brutal crevasse fields to the base of Mount Vinson, climb the continent’s highest peak, descend, and then ski all the way to the South Pole. No one has ever done this exact continuous journey unsupported. It was supposed to be the ultimate culmination of everything I’ve trained for and believed in.

Then the knee injury stole it all. I first felt something wrong 13 years ago while skiing in Alpe D’Huez.

I pushed through it for years. But almost three years ago, scans finally showed the truth: a torn cartilage in my left knee. Since then, my life has changed dramatically. I haven’t skied for two full seasons. Climbing has been completely off the table. I can manage gentle exercise, but anything that really pushes me — the kind of effort this expedition demands — is still impossible.

The last few years have been one long, grinding wait. Referred first to Oswestry Hospital, then after a year and a half moved to Birmingham. I’ve now been sitting on the donor cartilage graft waitlist for over a year. At 5’4”, the chances of getting a suitable match are painfully low. The only realistic option left is an operation to fill the hole in the cartilage with bone and cartilage taken from elsewhere in my knee. It has roughly a 60% success rate. If it fails, I can still go back to the donor route or look at newer treatments coming through.

On 21 April I have a critical reassessment with my knee consultant in Birmingham. This appointment will decide whether they go ahead with the surgery. I’m not getting my hopes too high, but I need this to work.

Not being able to ski or climb has hit me harder than I ever expected. My gear has sat unused. Friends and clients have headed off on adventures while I stayed behind. The freedom I once took for granted — pushing hard in the mountains or on snow — has gone. It’s been quietly devastating. The version of myself I’ve always known feels like it’s been slowly taken away.

But here’s the truth:

This expedition is happening. Come hell or high water.

Injured knee or not, long NHS waits or not, 60% success rate or not — I am doing The Triple Crown of Antarctica. I’ve spent my whole life turning big dreams into reality, and I’m not letting this injury write the final chapter. Whether through the upcoming operation, a donor graft, or whatever else becomes possible after the 21 April review, I will get strong enough to lead this world-first journey.

I refuse to let three years of pain and frustration be the end of the story.

If my journey resonates with you — if you’ve ever had a dream knocked down but refused to let it die — I’d be grateful for your support. Whether that’s donating, sharing this story, or even joining the team, every bit helps turn this setback into the greatest comeback yet.