Orkney adventurer Ben Weber reaches South Pole after 58-day snow trek for Cancer Research UK

An Orkney-born adventurer has reached the South Pole after trudging solo through Antarctic snow for 58 days.

Ben Weber pulled his kit on a sled in an epic fundraising mission for cancer research after losing his mother Marian to kidney cancer in 2018.

The Carrbridge-based athlete endured temperatures below -40C on the 702-mile journey.

He also had a cope with a severe neck injury suffered early in the expedition, having to make a five-mile detour to collect air-dropped medicine.

“It’s difficult to express how delighted I am,” Ben said. “To get through everything, all those daily challenges, to get through the pain and the frustration, is hard to believe.

“Seeing the research base at the Pole slowly becoming larger and larger and now I am here, it’s so surreal. It really is fulfilling a dream.”

Ben’s daily routine included eating more than 6,000 calories and pitching his tent for overnight protection from the elements.

He also had to stave off the threat of frostbite to his hands, feet and face while living in round-the-clock daylight.

Ben was inspired to take on the challenge following his mum’s death and decided to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

He said: “My mother was always so incredibly supportive of me with my journeys and expeditions.

“I wish I could be able to celebrate this achievement with her. Sadly, after she passed away due to cancer four years or so ago, this is not possible, though I know she would be so proud.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “A huge congratulations to Ben for reaching the South Pole.

“We’d like to thank Ben for using the expedition as an opportunity to raise vital funds to beat cancer, a disease that affects so many.”