Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
20 January 2015 10:49
Ice challenge: cancer survivor Patrick McIntosh took on the South Pole and won
A cancer survivor has shown the disease doesn't have to be the end of an active life by conquering the legendary South Pole.
Surrey financial adviser Patrick McIntosh, 58, marked 103 years since Captain Scott visited the landmark destination on an ill-fated trek by reaching it himself on Saturday (January 17).
Mr McIntosh has had treatment for prostate, skin and bowel cancer during the space of 13 months.
But he has helped give hope to many fellow sufferers by completing the 138-mile (222km) journey for charity.
Not all foreign excursions are this demanding. But if you have survived cancer or are still receiving treatment, you can book a holiday with peace of mind by getting cancer travel insurance. Such cover includes access to round-the-clock emergency assistance, whether you are travelling to the South Pole or closer to home, and insurance for lost medication replacements.
Mr McIntosh, from Smallfield, had staunch support from Conrad Dickinson, the polar guide who helped lead Prince Harry's team during 2013.
The unsupported pair walked more than 12 miles per day to the pole, carrying their own equipment and enduring temperatures which plummeted to minus 40C.
Mr McIntosh has used the walk to draw attention to how important it is to take action the moment someone thinks they have cancer-related symptoms.
He said the walk shows that cancer patients can return to full lives with the help of early diagnoses.
Gemma Barker, his granddaughter, who has been in touch with Mr McIntosh every day, confirmed that the South Pole had been reached at 7pm UK time.
She said that her grandfather, who celebrated with a cuppa, had not come down from "cloud nine" and described him as "very happy" and excited".
Mr McIntosh hopes his three charities - Voice Of The Listener And The Viewer, Prostate Cancer UK and Bowel Cancer UK - will share £222,000.
13 December 2018
Space tourism could move one giant leap closer this week as Virgin Galactic expects to reach "space altitudes" for the first time.
[more...]
12 December 2018
If you're worried about piling on the pounds this Christmas, regular home weighing could prevent you from excessive festive eating and drinking.
11 December 2018
Airlines that automatically cancel return flights when passengers fail to show for their outbound journeys are being warned they risk breaking consumer law.
08 December 2018
Providing better conditions for disabled passengers is one of the main aims of a proposed new charter for airlines and airports.
07 December 2018
Women who don't attend cervical screenings should be offered testing kits they can use at home, new research suggests.
06 December 2018
Ryanair could be slapped with enforcement action from the airline regulator after it refused compensation for passengers hit by flight disruption caused by staff taking strike action.
05 December 2018
Protein supplements and muscle training could be the most effective ways to delay or reverse the effects of frailty, a new study suggests.
04 December 2018
Mumford and Sons bassist Ted Dwane has helped create a new exhibition to raise awareness of the loneliness felt by people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
01 December 2018
A leading charity has praised the actions of Lloyd Russell-Moyle, saying the Labour MP had "done everybody a service" by disclosing his HIV status.
30 November 2018
Sweating out the daily stresses in a sauna could be linked to a reduced risk of death from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in people aged 50 and over, according to a new study.
29 November 2018
Hitting the Copacabana could soon become a more realistic aim for holidaymakers, with Norwegian set to become the first budget airline to operate UK-Brazil flights.
28 November 2018
Holidaymakers on the UK's proposed new high-speed trainline could have their Amazon packages delivered directly to their seat, according to a train manufacturer.