Adaptive Expedition Aims to Be First to Cross Europe’s Largest Ice Cap

Ed Jackson is a former rugby union professional and lifelong outdoor enthusiast. In an accident in 2017, he fractured multiple vertebrae in his spine and doctors warned him that he may never walk again. Since Ed has confounded the experts and found a way to return to the mountains, using his challenges to raise money for the charity that he and his wife Lois founded, the Millimetres 2 Mountains Foundation (M2M), which supports people who have experienced physical or mental trauma to get active in the outdoors.

Before his near-death climbing accident, which resulted in paralysis, Darren Edwards was a mountaineer and Army Reservist. Now a motivational speaker and resilience coach, Darren has broken many records through his desire for adventure.

Specialising in remote-area research on endangered species, biologist Dr Niall McCann, has taken part in challenging expeditions all over the world. He joined the Mountain Rescue team that rescued him after an accident left him with five broken vertebrae.

Ed, Darren and Neil each has a set of disabilities that is unique to them, and will affect how they tackle the challenge of traversing the Vatnajokull Glacier. Ed and Niall have walking difficulties and sensation loss in their lower limbs, and will be travelling on skis. Darren will be completing the challenge in a sit ski (propelling himself along using poles). All three men will be linked together by a single rope, and without any support or guidance, will make the journey as a team.