Former Taunton marine turned Polar explorer gets ready for his 15th trip

Alan Chambers MBE, who lived in Taunton for 25 years but now lives in Bristol, will be completing his 15th expedition to the North Pole next month.

He will be leading a team, including former England Rugby Union star Will Greenwood, on a month-long expedition, to raise money for research into premature birth.

"This will be my 15th time leading a team to the North Pole," He said.

"Will is an ambassador for Borne, so we will be raising money for research into premature births.

"Since I've left the marines I've raised nearly £6million.

"It's a lost opportunity if you don't use your platform to raise money or awareness."

Mr Chambers said the preparation for a trip takes around one year and includes practicing pulling heavy sleds or tires around.

The 49-year-old adventurer has been supported by Taunton Leisure, East Reach, since his first trip nearly 20 years ago.

Alan Chambers (middle) with the team at Taunton Leisure.

Manager of the Taunton Leisure store, Bill Atkinson, said: “We were big supporters of Alan’s first polar expedition nearly 18 years ago and I’m delighted that we are able to support him again.”

Mr Chambers added: "I've always stayed in touch with Taunton Leisure, whether that was through sponsorships or getting new equipment, they always have good advice for me through their experiences.

"New kit to a marine is like a shiny object to a magpie.

"The shop hasn't changed really - except the people look a bit older.

"This year we are taking a Taunton Leisure flag with us and we will plant it at the top of the world."

Mr Chambers first took part in an extreme wintery trip to raise money for a fellow marine who was taken ill.

Marine Richard Bell broke his neck and was unable to walk. In response, Alan decided to ski across Iceland to raise money for spinal research.

Mr Chambers will also be taking part in an exhibition to the South Pole later this year, where he will be raising money for the Lewis Moody Foundadtion for which he is an ambassador. 

Each trip sees the team members eating thousands more calories to keep warm. Cooking breakfast takes three hours with their evening meal taking five hours.

They eat around 4,500-6,000 calories a day and stop every hour for food and use around 10kg of ice per person a day for water.

"Routine is everything," The seasoned adventurer added.

"We spend around eight-10 hours walking, and stop to eat every hour.

"It's my job as leader to be thinking about the right equipment. The right clothing is just as important as training.

"The most dangerous thing would be to fall through the ice, but that's my responsibility to set the right route and recognise the conditions of the ice."

Mr Chambers said he has noticed a lot of changes throughout his years on the ice.

He says that the temperatures are higher, the ice is thinner, and sighting of polar bears are becoming more frequent. He added that he even spotted a pod of Narwhals on his last trip, and saw 32 polar bears.

Only the right sort of people are allowed on the trip. Mr Chambers says he looks for people with good team work, and avoids those with selfish agendas.

He said: "The trip is a good test for your soul. All of your strengths and weaknesses come out.

"You can't be selfish out here. People have got to be putting the training in before we leave. I don't babysit them. You've got to have the right mentality."