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Record breaking effort to South Pole commences

Luke training for his trip to the South Pole in Greenland
Luke training for his trip to the South Pole in Greenland

A north-east adventurer has finally set off on his mission to become the first Scot to complete a solo trek across the South Pole.

Luke Robertson, who underwent brain surgery last year, has begun his 730-mile journey in aid of cancer charity Marie Curie.

The 30-year-old, who also suffers from a heart condition will battle through temperatures of -50C and 100mph winds as he attempts to complete the unassisted and unsupported expedition.

Mr Robertson, who is originally from Stonehaven, travelled to travelled to Punta Arenas in Patagonia, Chile three weeks ago with fiancee Hazel before flying to Antarctica with more than 120kg of equipment, which he will pull behind him in a sled.

But after arriving at the Union Glacier camp, the weather deteriorated and the short flight to Hercules Inlet – the expedition start point at the edge of Antarctica – was delayed for 10 days.

However, after almost a two week delay, he has now started the trek, which is expected to take 35 to 40 days.

Mr Robertson has already smashed his fundraising target of £25,000, which will all to the charity.

He decided to raise cash for the charity after undergoing surgery last year to remove a large brain mass, which was suspected to be cancerous. Although it turned out to be a rare enterogenous cyst, his time spent in the neurology ward with cancer patients motivated Mr Robertson to do something to support them.

Speaking before he left for the Hercules Inlet, he said: “Excitement and anticipation levels amongst everyone travelling over have been building for some time, and it has been a little bit like waiting for Christmas.

“I have been completely blown away by all of the donations that have been received. Never in my dreams did I expect to break the fundraising target before even taking steps on the ice.

“I have received donations and messages of support from all over the world, all of which I will be taking with me to the South Pole.”

To track Mr Robertson along the way, visit www.duesouth2015.com or check out the Due South 2015 Facebook and Twitter pages.