From Whaplode to a solo trip in Antarctica

A former Whaplode man has become only the second person ever to cross Antarctica unaided – and the first to ring his granddad in Holbeach from the South Pole.

British Army Captain Louis Rudd MBE, a former Spalding Grammar School pupil, took part in the Shackleton Spirit of Endurance challenge that saw two men travel across the entire 920-mile continent without help from others.

American Colin O’Brady, completed the challenge first on Boxing Day but Rudd was just two days behind him and the first ever Britain to complete the challenge, raising thousands of pounds for the Army Benevolent Fund’s Soldiers’ Charity.

After setting out on November 3, it took the former Holbeach Air Cadet 56 days during which he lost 17 per cent of his body mass pulling his food and shelter on a sleigh behind him.

The 49-year-old father of three is now back at his current home in Hereford.

He told The Voice: “I wanted to attempt a world first and I’ve always had a love of Antarctica as well as Captain Scott, Shackleton and the early polar pioneers.

“I also did it hoping to inspire others to take on their own challenges.”

Rudd described the trip as “absolutely brutal” and said: “It’s been an incredible experience from start to finish and I’ve learnt so much from it.”

Of being pipped to the title of first to cross unassisted, which included not using kites to help pull equipment, Louis said: “I got to know Colin quite well over the course of the expedition and what he did was truly remarkable.

“I pushed hard and skied longer hours and greater distances than I ever have on any previous expeditions and yet he was still able to finish two days ahead of me.

“And this despite the fact he had less direct experience in polar travel, although a very accomplished professional athlete and mountaineer.

“I genuinely thought his chances of successfully completing were slim but he did an incredible job.

“Yes, it would have been nice to finish first but my highest priority was successfully completing the journey and I was always wary of pushing too hard and becoming unsafe.

“It’s just incredible that we both successfully finished and I commend him for what he also achieved.”

Before heading out on the trip, Rudd received his MBE for leading a group of reservists across Antarctica.

But attempting the journey without any help was something particularly close to
his heart.

His friend Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley had died attempting the same feat two years before.
Rudd carried a flag with the Worsley family crest with him on the journey.

He also carried 130kg of food and equipment.

While on his journey, Rudd took the opportunity to phone Holbeach and his granddad, 96-year-old Arthur.

The Langwith Gardens resident said: “I could not be more proud of him.

“I’d been following him every day of his journey online.

“It was lovely to receive a phone call from him at the South Pole.

“I just congratulated him as much as possible.

“He’s always been into adventure even as a youngster in Whaplode.”