People who go to the polar regions are statistically less likely to die than salesmen who drive on motorways in England.

No one will pay you for planning an expedition at first: you have to work in pubs at weekends so you can pay the gas bills. I joined the Territorial Army, which paid me when I turned up to drill nights, and so did my wife.

Rivalry is one of the factors pushing me. While my back was turned, the Norwegians managed to achieve the first Arctic crossing in winter. I didn't want the same to happen in the Antarctic.

There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.

While I was serving, I worked as an adventure training officer, teaching soldiers how to ski, canoe and climb.

I go on expeditions for the same reason an estate agent sells houses - to pay the bills.

Whenever feasible, pick your team on character, not skill. You can teach skills; you can't teach character.