Epic polar expedition for Keadby serviceman who lost leg in accident
A SERVICEMAN who lost his leg in a motorbike accident is to embark on an epic polar expedition that aims to break three world records.
Corporal Alan Robinson, 34, from Keadby, is one of seven disabled servicemen who will attempt to fly 1,690 miles in a microlight aircraft to the South Pole next year.
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CHALLENGE: Alan Robinson, who is flying over the South Pole in a microlight to raise money for Help For Heroes
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TAKING TO THE AIR: The Flying For Freedom Antarctic team, from left, former LCpl Jamie Hull, Parachute Regt, Capt Luke Sinnott, Royal Engineers, Flt Lt Kat Janes, RAF, Pte Nathan Forster, Parachute Regiment, Cpl Alan Robinson, RAF, and Capt (Retd) Martin Hewitt, Parachute Regiment Picture: David Devins
Nobody has flown in Antarctica or the South Pole in the small, lightweight planes – which are similar to hang-gliders in design – before. And the record-breaking trek would help raise money for the Help the Heroes charity.
The journey would also see them become the first to fly over the 16,067ft Vinson Massif mountain in a microlight.
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Corporal Robinson, who has served in the RAF for 15 years, said the experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He said: "The best thing about being in the aircraft and when I am flying is that I am no longer a disabled person.
"There is a feeling of being able to do something that gives you a lot of confidence.
"Clearly it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. How many people get to do that? It is going to be brilliant. I can't wait."
Mr Robinson lost his leg after being hit by a car in April 2011.
He heard about the expedition after a receiving an e-mail informing him of the Flying for Freedom organisation. This was set up to help injured former service personnel make a successful transition to civilian life and work.
He has undertaken flying lessons and five exams in order to achieve his flying licence that will allow him to take part.
On losing his leg, he said: "It has had a big impact on every aspect of my life.
"At the moment I am still not entirely sure whether I will be retained in the services. I have a medical in March.
"Flying for me has been a lifetime ambition. My father did model aircraft when I was a kid. It was something I took up and this has been the next progression of it."
The launch event for the expedition took place this week, with an expected launch date of early 2014. It will be the culmination of three years of training for the group.
Joining the team on the journey will be former RAF servicemen and ex-England rugby star Rory Underwood.
The group plans to take part in some cold weather training in Sweden and plans to hold a series of long trips to see how the prosthetics will react to the weather.
To donate to the cause, visit www.fly2pole.com
Comments
by Mozart
Saturday, January 26 2013, 2:56PM
“Apart from boosting his ego - the point is?”