Arctic 'doesn't want you to survive', says explorer before mission

James McCorkindale is setting off on a never-done-before route in the Arctic

A trio are attempting to cross the High Arctic on a never-done-before route across Svalbard.

James McCorkindale, Lee Graham and Arctic expedition leader Kasper Jæger are facing -40C temperatures, 186 miles (300km) of sparse terrain, polar bears, sea ice and frozen glaciers, along with a 165lb (75kg) sled to pull.

The expedition will raise money for children's hospice Hope House Tŷ Gobaith and will be Mr McCorkindale's third voyage in the Arctic circle.

The explorer, from Mold, Flintshire, said the Arctic "does not want to kill you, but it doesn't want you to survive".

The friends will be covering 186 miles crossing the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard from east to west on a new route through the High Arctic.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Mr McCorkindale, 44, said they had been given special permission to go as a group of three.

"We've been told now it's actually, believe it or not, illegal, to do now in a three-man team.

"It's been allowed, it's official, we are allowed to go, thankfully but that's it.

"There's no-one else is allowed to do this."

Mr McCorkindale and Mr Graham are no strangers to the dangers of the Arctic having previously completed a 124-mile (200km) trek across the Finnmark Plateau in Norway's Arctic Circle in March 2024.

Mr Graham had to be rescued on the last expedition due to frostbite.

"I know it, not inside out as such, but I know it. I've made mistakes along the way and I know what not to do," said Mr McCorkindale.

"I lost a full stone on the last expedition so have gained a lot of weight for this on purpose as bodyweight is crucial when pulling a sled – plus the extra insulation from body fat is handy.

"You burn in excess of 6,000 calories a day but only consume around 3,000 - that includes porridge breakfast, 500-1,000 calorie ration packs twice a day and a few snacks during the daily distances with stops every 45 minutes to replenish energy levels and hydration."

James and Lee are raising money for children's hospice Hope House Tŷ Gobaith by doing the expedition

James, who was a contestant on BBC's SAS: Are You Tough Enough?, said being rescued could cost around £30,000.

"You have to deal with absolutely everything yourselves. You come across all sorts of problems," he said.

"The stoves were packing up last time because it was so cold... and once you don't have a stove you will not survive out there."

Mr McCorkindale has raised money for other charities in the past including Nacoa, a charity which supports people affected by a parent's drinking, on his last expedition.

The father-of-three said this time he wanted to support the children's hospice Hope House Tŷ Gobaith which he was invited to visit.

"I wanted to do something for the children. My youngest is just nine months old and I had a bit of a moment seeing the children in the hospice," he said.

"It's such a lovely place. So bright and cheerful and not clinical like I expected."

The pair have currently raised over £3,000.

Hope House Ty Gobaith fundraiser Nicky Eyes said the charity was "bowled over by James and Lee's bravery and strength".

"They really are amazing and we wish them so well on their expedition and a safe return back home. We'll be rooting for them every step of the way," she said.