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.
19 October 2018
Pregnant women who suffer from pre-eclampsia have a greater risk of developing dementia, new research suggests.
[more...]
18 October 2018
The UK's average life expectancy is predicted to increase from 80.8 years to 83.3 years over the next 20 years, according to new research.
17 October 2018
Family doctors are being urged to prescribe physical activity for patients living with some of the most common medical conditions.
16 October 2018
Patients with brain tumours lose out on almost £15,000 per year, a new report has revealed.
13 October 2018
Chris Grayling has given his "categorial assurance" to Parliament that a no-deal Brexit will not ground flights in and out of the UK, despite recent warnings from experts that this remains a possibility.
12 October 2018
The rising cost of fuel could force more airlines out of business, the boss of easyJet has warned.
11 October 2018
The image of the boozy backpacker might be a thing of the past as a new study suggests more and more youngsters are shunning alcohol completely.
10 October 2018
The NHS says just one in 10 drinks sold in English hospitals will be sugar-sweetened, as part of its bid to curb rising obesity levels.
09 October 2018
More than 260,000 diabetes patients were put at risk of lasting harm or even death during hospital stays last year due to medication errors, a new report has revealed.
06 October 2018
NHS patients with a specific type of lymphoma will soon be able to access a "game-changing" new treatment, health officials have revealed.
05 October 2018
People living with diabetes are being warned they might be "unwittingly" storing their insulin incorrectly.
04 October 2018
The world's first commercial jet part-powered by a new form of biofuel touches down in London on Wednesday (3rd October).