Episode 1 Harry's Arctic Heroes


Episode 1

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The Arctic, one of the harshest environments on the planet.

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Warm the hands up before they get excruciatingly cold.

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Temperatures can sink to minus 50 degrees centigrade,

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the wind can reach 110 miles an hour,

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and all that's between you and 2.5 miles of ink black Arctic Ocean

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are a few thin inches of ice.

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If your pole goes in and you're not in your harness, you go to the bottom of the sea.

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Careful!

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Into this extreme, four wounded British soldiers...

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Oh, right on the ribs!

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It is quite hard, we're not making a lot of ground.

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..two expedition founders...

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It's the end of day... Oh, holy cow.

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..one polar guide...

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We have to be more careful because the pole can run over and break your leg.

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-..and one prince...

-No matter who you are, unless you really hate the cold,

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this place is amazing.

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Together they'll attempt the first unsupported trek to the North Pole

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by wounded servicemen.

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If successful, they'll set a new world record.

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This is the story of their journey,

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from the battlefields of Afghanistan

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to top of the world.

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It's 4.30 am and the Walking With The Wounded team

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are landing on the polar ice cap for the first time.

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They're 160 miles from the Geographic North Pole,

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it's minus 34 degrees centigrade.

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A bit of peace and quiet. It's been a while.

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It's a nice place. It's quite far to come for some peace and quiet though.

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I'm not going to lie, it's a bit far away.

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But, hey, amongst friends! What could possibly go wrong?

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They've spent many months in training, but out here they're facing the unknown.

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This is rather unique.

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It's barren, it's oppressive, it's unforgiving.

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It's quite surreal.

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For an able-bodied person this is one of the toughest challenges on the planet.

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For these wounded soldiers the test is obviously far greater.

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It's opened my eyes to a whole new world.

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Respect to anyone who does this.

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Between them they've been blown up and shot.

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'I got shot two-and-a-half years ago, the bullet severed my artery.'

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They've lost an arm and a leg

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and been told they will never walk again.

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'I'm missing an ankle and a calf and, for me, it's not holding me back and it won't hold me back.'

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Jointly they've had 32 operations and years of rehabilitation to put them back together.

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'If you put your mind to it, there's nothing that can stop you.

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'What these boys are doing is truly fantastic, it really is.

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'To learn more about them, to hear their stories is very special.

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'You don't get to meet people like this very often.'

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Their incredible journey across the polar ice cap has just begun.

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Something I've always wanted to do, probably the biggest challenge out there.

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It is a journey fraught with danger.

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This will be the single biggest test that I've probably ever had.

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But also a journey of recovery.

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One, two, three! 'Never quit.

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'Never...'

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MUSIC: BBC NEWS THEME

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Prince Harry helps launch an expedition

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by wounded servicemen and women to the North Pole.

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But will he go with them?

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If my military commitments allow, I would love to join the team.

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13 months earlier, and the team are holding their first press conference with their Royal patron.

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'Obviously, once I was asked,'

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it was a very easy opportunity to say I would love to join this.

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It's an opportunity I just couldn't let go.

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I don't think anybody else would.

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'It's going to be serious for them and nobody should underestimate

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'what these guys are putting themselves through

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'not just for themselves but for everybody else who's been injured.'

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This project exemplifies the tenacity and courage of those who serve our country.

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It really is that simple.

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It's great to be part of this amazing adventure

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and with such a great bunch of guys.

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Three months later and the Walking With The Wounded team

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are on their first UK training session in Norfolk.

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This is the early days of it all.

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We'll start off with this and no doubt build up as the year goes on.

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The plan is to take four wounded soldiers to the Pole,

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but with less than ten months until they depart, and seeing over 100 applicants,

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the expedition organisers only have two suitable candidates.

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Come on, Grandad, let's go for a walk.

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29-year-old, Captain Martin Hewitt was serving with the Parachute Regiment

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when he was severely wounded in Afghanistan.

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I wanted to join the Forces and I specifically wanted to join the Parachute Regiment.

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That was the proudest day of my life when I found out I got in there.

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After joining the Army Cadets at 16, Martin went on to serve with the Paras in Afghanistan twice.

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It was on his second tour in 2007 that things went tragically wrong.

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We had a very good talk before we deployed,

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saying, "Listen, lads, about a third of you won't come back."

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It was a risk that I accepted.

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Martin was leading a platoon of paratroopers during Operation Herrick

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when he took a direct hit to his right shoulder.

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At first I thought I'd lost the limb

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and I first looked around to try and pick it up

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but realised it was still attached. It was paralysed.

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I knew very quickly it was serious, and I had arterial bleeding.

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You could see it coming out, it was very bright red...

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blood pulsating out of you in line with your heart beat.

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I got my hand in there and tried to clamp the artery shut,

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which I was having difficulty doing

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and I could feel the life draining out of me.

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I felt myself going. You do, feel yourself fading.

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I was thinking to myself, "There's no way I'm dying on this desert floor here, not a chance."

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The bullet ripped through Martin's shoulder leaving a four-inch exit wound.

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It shredded the brachial artery, the main blood supply to the arm,

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and severed all the nerves,

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leaving the limb paralysed.

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Learning to adapt to life with the use of one arm, you can do.

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The most difficult battle I've had is the psychological impact

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of not being able to do the job I wanted to do and that I loved.

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I will not command soldiers on operations again.

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You'll notice that Ed's given me and Guy significantly bigger tyres than what he's given himself.

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MARTIN LAUGHS

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Is it that obvious?

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That's about twice the size as everybody else's, it's a radial.

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Stop whinging! That's the worst thing about old people, is they whinge non-stop.

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For charity founders, ex-servicemen Ed Parker and Simon Daglish,

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it's a challenge finding wounded soldiers

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that can tackle one of the world's toughest expeditions.

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Losing an arm, particularly when doing work around the camp, is a severe restriction.

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We've discovered it's difficult finding people who'll be physically capable of doing what we're asking.

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It's been highlighted to us, the extent of the challenge we're embarking on.

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A lot of what we do is going to be in the mind.

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If the mind is confident then we will achieve what we aim to achieve.

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I tried this one instead of this,

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but this one is very wobbly, so I'm not going to do it.

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I'll use this one instead.

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28-year-old, Captain Guy Disney, who serves with the Light Dragoons,

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lost his right leg in Afghanistan in 2009.

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-What was wrong with that?

-It's too wobbly.

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-Really?

-Yeah.

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I think looking at footage of Afghanistan on the news, you felt

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almost a duty to go and do your bit.

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On 6th May 2009, the armoured reconnaissance vehicle that Guy was commanding

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was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.

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Effectively a jet of molten metal came through the side of the vehicle

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and that went through my leg and tragically killed the soldier next to me.

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I looked down and it was hanging off, and...

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It's almost like when you hold a boot by its laces and swing it,

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there were a couple of bits of tendon left.

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The bone had all gone and initially it was like, "Christ, that's definitely coming off."

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The initial feelings were, you know, "Bugger," if that makes sense.

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The RPG, destroyed Guy's leg just below the knee.

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Within hours, the doctors in Afghanistan were forced to amputate,

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leaving a raw stump that's needed four separate operations to repair.

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I couldn't really believe it had happened.

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I still felt I was meant to be out there doing the job

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and suddenly you're having everything done for yourself, that's a frustrating period.

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Trekking to the North Pole in ten months' time

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will be Guy and Martin's biggest challenge since being wounded.

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Guy and I are still in a state of rehabilitation ourselves.

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I've had 13 operations to date, myself.

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I'm nothing like as fit at the minute as I was when I got shot.

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I've got a long way to go get that level back, but it's coming.

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This morning's escapade on the beach was quite punchy.

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That was over the top, this morning.

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If it's like that on day one, when we're up there, I'm going home.

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-I'm stuffed if doing that! I'm telling you right now.

-MARTIN LAUGHS

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For Guy and Martin, proving themselves ready to take on the world is important,

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not just for them, but for their fellow wounded soldiers.

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I know how difficult it is for me to adapt to life with my injury,

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I've had soldiers under my command who've come from broken family backgrounds,

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who perhaps haven't got any academic qualifications,

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who now find themselves in the position

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where they have lost both legs, perhaps.

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I find it difficult with all the help and support I've got.

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God knows how difficult these guys are finding it

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and that's where the system, the Forces' charities, the public,

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and me, as a serving officer, have a duty of care to do what we can to help.

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Every now and then you'll see someone and they'll look at you with the "poor guy" smile or chat.

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You know, when the leg's on and I've got a pair of trousers,

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no-one would know I've got anything wrong with me.

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I think it's to prove to people that

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it's not the best thing to have happen in the world,

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but there's no reason why it should stop me at all.

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Ed and Simon may have their first wounded servicemen,

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but time's running out to find two more.

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While they continue their search,

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Guy's off to in New York with team patron, Prince Harry.

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With the Afghanistan War in its tenth year,

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they're here to help strengthen military relations,

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but also to promote the expedition.

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Ladies and gentleman, Prince Harry.

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APPLAUSE

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Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

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I would just like to steal a few moments of your time

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to talk about an important and very serious matter.

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It's the welfare of our men and women in uniform,

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those who we send out to fight our wars and protect our freedom.

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You know, myself and my brother and, I suppose, a huge majority of the British public as well

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support these guys in everything they do and always will do, hopefully.

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For... I probably speak for William, as well, but mainly for myself,

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after doing a very small stint in Afghanistan,

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I'd like to think that I've got a rough idea

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about what goes on and how they feel.

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Good evening. I have to say straightaway, the triage I received and the treatment

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has been nothing short of exceptional.

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'I met Prince Harry yesterday, it was great to meet him, and the good thing about'

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having someone like that coming over,

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it just adds so much more credibility to what we're doing.

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# Can you see by the dawn's early light? #

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Prince Harry and Guy are also taking part in a charity run in Central Park.

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HARRY: After seeing the way these guys dealt with it,

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if I did go back, I wouldn't have as much fear of getting hit as I did the first time.

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I'm not saying I've accepted that if I go out and get shot then that'll be fine.

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I'm just saying, to see the way these guys have dealt with it

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and the way that every other soldier deals with it back at Selly Oak and Headley Court,

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it gives you that feeling of going, "If I do go back and do get hit, I hope I end up like these guys."

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# O'er the land of the free

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# And the home of the brave. #

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CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

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No-one wants to get injured, but the guys have accepted that your life's not over,

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it's not come to an end, there's other things you can do. Walk to the North Pole, for instance.

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The inspiration these guys give to everybody else is unbelievable.

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Back in the UK, with only seven months to go,

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Ed, Simon, Guy and Martin have come to Bodmin Moor for a training session.

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Crucially, they've brought along two more would-be team members.

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One of them, a guy called Jaco,

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we met for first time in January when we did the selection

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and both of us really liked him.

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But he was pretty badly beaten up

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and then we heard a couple of issues he had, had been sorted out.

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That's a lovely spot, it's really beautiful.

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So we got him and a new guy, who was blown up in Babaji last year, had his back broken.

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This guy, Steve Young, he was told he wouldn't walk again.

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He spent about six weeks on a spinal bed, not able to move.

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He was back on his feet within four months, which is pretty incredible.

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Today will let Ed and Simon know just how well the new boys can cope with a hard physical challenge.

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Time is running out for us to get four team members,

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so we just hope that these two will be able to stay with us.

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The pressure's on a bit, yeah. We've got to get it right.

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The youngest prospective team member is 26-year-old South African, Jaco Van Gass.

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He was hit by an RPG during a firefight in Afghanistan on his second tour with the Paras.

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'I came over to the UK in 2006, to join the British Army.

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'I literally just landed'

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the Saturday morning and in the Monday morning

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I was in the recruiting office signing the paperwork.

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For me, serving in Afghanistan was absolutely brilliant. I loved every second of it.

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It's a brotherhood that you pick up,

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and even the day you leave the Army, you'll always be part of that family.

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In the early hours of August 20th, 2009, Jaco's unit was heading out on an operation.

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The chopper's came in, we landed on the target.

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I just heard a massive noise.

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By the time I woke up, I didn't really know what happened.

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As I sat up and tried to raise my weapon, that's when I realised that I've lost my arm.

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I just sat, flat on the ground and fired a couple of rounds off from my hip.

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The amount of blood I lost was ridiculous.

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The pain was unbelievable.

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There was a point where I think, "Yes, I'm going to die."

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That was the point that I lost consciousness and then that was it.

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The next time I woke up I was in Selly Oak.

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The blast severed Jaco's arm above the elbow,

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a third of the muscle on his left leg was blown away.

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He suffered extensive damage to his internal organs

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and has had 15 operations over the past 12 months.

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Going out with my mates again, to the pub, or to a club,

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all the girls are interested in them, and then you turn around and you've got no arm, and...

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they don't really know what to say.

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It was really hard.

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There are certain days, I look back and I'm thinking, "Bloody hell, I was in good shape there."

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There is something in you that says, "I really wish I could get back to looking like that."

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You need to sit down with yourself and realise that you're not a fully able body any more.

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You've got certain injuries and certain stuff that happened to you.

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The reason why we're doing this, is for other servicemen and women,

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to show them that something like this is possible.

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Right, next point.

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What, that little scarp there?

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Yeah, you're going to hit that knoll on the left-hand side there,

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so come up the left-hand side of the scarp.

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Good to stretch the legs, really.

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Haven't tabbed for a while, so it's good to get out and stretch the legs.

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I think that's about the first two miles done, another ten to go, so... We shall see.

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Sergeant Stephen Young, a 28-year-old Welsh Guardsman, was injured in Afghanistan in 2009.

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I was that typical kid running around with a toy gun,

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and it has always been my ambition to join the Army.

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His fiancee, Emma, has been his bedrock ever since.

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It means absolutely everything to him.

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I'd love him to have a 9-5 job and come home to me, but it's not going to happen.

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On 1st August, as Steve was redeploying back to the front line,

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his vehicle was blown up by an IED.

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It's not just like hearing a noise - bang.

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It travels through your whole body.

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I remember being thrown forwards, like face down on the floor.

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So I tried getting up, and that's when I felt

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a massive, massive intense pain just in my back.

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And when I pulled myself up, my legs swung, er,

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because I couldn't use them properly, and my back crunched.

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I really thought, yep, that's me, I'm dead.

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The blast broke Steve's back, causing a complicated burst fracture of the vertebrae

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and extensive soft tissue damage.

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He was told he would never walk again.

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It was 1,001 things going through my mind, a lot of them were selfish -

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me walking, me running, me, me, me, me.

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Didn't at that stage really think of the family,

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which I knew later on it would have had a massive impact on.

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The initial finding out was absolutely horrendous,

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and I don't think it really hit me until I was driving home

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after telling everybody, and I was on the motorway

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and I had to pull over because it all hit me at once.

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I was flown home then within a day, and when I got back to Selly Oak,

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they said, "Look, you will walk again, but with a frame for life."

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Unless someone's actually got this sort of injury,

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you don't understand, you don't realise how much it affects you on a daily basis.

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It's just a constant ache.

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-But you learn to deal with it.

-You just adapt, don't you?

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Yeah, yeah, that's it, yeah.

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After 15 miles slogging across Bodmin Moor,

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both Steve and Jaco have impressed the organisers.

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It's really great having Jaco and Steve with us.

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Jaco is... To see him here now

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is I think the essence of everything we're trying to show people.

0:22:320:22:37

So yeah, I think we could have our team.

0:22:370:22:42

But there are still challenges to overcome.

0:22:420:22:45

Steve - he's a great guy, he's definitely got it mentally.

0:22:450:22:49

His back's a bit sore now, if you look at him walking, he's a little bit tentative.

0:22:490:22:55

So it's important he gets that strong.

0:22:550:22:58

There are ongoing concerns for all the wounded soldiers, but with the team complete,

0:23:040:23:09

at least they can begin preparing for everything the North Pole will throw at them.

0:23:090:23:14

I'm getting excited now.

0:23:140:23:16

I haven't had that feeling for three years now, since I been shot.

0:23:160:23:21

This is the first time I've got that kind of excitement that I used to get

0:23:210:23:25

every week in work, so it's good, getting back in the game.

0:23:250:23:29

Albeit doing something completely different.

0:23:290:23:31

But yeah, it's all good, mate.

0:23:310:23:34

As of July 2011,

0:23:450:23:47

1,712 service personnel have been injured in Afghanistan.

0:23:470:23:53

Four months later, and the team are doing

0:23:570:24:00

a photo shoot for GQ magazine, to raise the profile of the expedition.

0:24:000:24:06

The shoot's with one of Britain's best-known photographers, David Bailey.

0:24:060:24:10

Bailey, a keen supporter of the Armed Forces,

0:24:120:24:16

is donating his services for free.

0:24:160:24:19

Who did the artwork at the back, the Apaches?

0:24:190:24:22

I nicked that, someone had painted it on the wall, so I photographed it and nicked it.

0:24:220:24:27

'It's pretty amazing having your photo taken by David Bailey.'

0:24:270:24:30

It's brilliant that he's taken the time to do it.

0:24:300:24:32

-And you were stationed...

-I was only here for about...

0:24:320:24:34

-Three days?

-Three or four days, yeah.

0:24:340:24:36

Yeah, taking them in and dropping the new ones off.

0:24:360:24:39

I'm not a very photogenic person, I don't take a good picture.

0:24:390:24:43

It doesn't matter if it's on a mobile phone or David Bailey,

0:24:430:24:46

I don't think I'll look that good on picture.

0:24:460:24:48

It's not only a chance to have their portraits taken by one of the world's best-known photographers,

0:24:480:24:53

it's also a chance to spend some time with their patron, Prince Harry.

0:24:530:24:59

We're very fortunate and humble to have him on board -

0:24:590:25:01

and it'll be good to meet him.

0:25:010:25:03

He's trying to help us raise the profile of the charity

0:25:030:25:06

and raise as much money for the charity as he possibly can.

0:25:060:25:09

He's met some of them before,

0:25:090:25:10

but this is the first time that the full team has come together.

0:25:100:25:15

We can hopefully get to know him a bit, so when he comes up,

0:25:150:25:18

he's not meeting a bunch of strangers.

0:25:180:25:20

We all sort of know each other already.

0:25:200:25:23

Very excited to meet him and to socialise a bit with him.

0:25:250:25:29

I'm just happy to be here with them

0:25:350:25:37

and give them as much support as I can, and have a laugh with them.

0:25:370:25:41

Because I like to think I'm just one of the lads - whether I am or not!

0:25:410:25:45

Shall we go, shall we start?

0:25:540:25:56

-Yes, I've started.

-You've started?!

0:25:560:25:59

He is obviously a prince, part of the royal family,

0:26:010:26:04

but he is also a squaddie. So, we're all squaddies here,

0:26:040:26:07

we've all got the same mentality, so hopefully we'll get along.

0:26:070:26:11

It's basically do whatever you want, so yeah!

0:26:110:26:13

It's important we do get to know each other a bit.

0:26:210:26:23

It's going to be quite intense living conditions, 10-12 hours skiing together,

0:26:300:26:33

and then living in the tents as well.

0:26:330:26:35

I think it makes it easier for someone from my position,

0:26:350:26:39

it's nice to be able to relate to them, and to be able to say that I've been there

0:26:390:26:43

and they know that I've experienced similar things to them, up until the injury itself.

0:26:430:26:48

It's nice to be able to sit down and have a bit of banter with them,

0:26:480:26:52

and that they've lost an arm or lost a leg.

0:26:520:26:55

It is very interesting having this time to talk to the guys.

0:26:550:26:59

Despite knowing their backgrounds and their stories, there's so much more to it.

0:26:590:27:03

And that is fascinating, it's actually quite sad in a way as well.

0:27:030:27:07

With nine weeks until they depart

0:27:150:27:17

and Prince Harry on an army helicopter course,

0:27:170:27:20

the rest of the team come to Norway for their final winter training.

0:27:200:27:25

The cold is tough enough for an able-bodied person,

0:27:250:27:29

but for these wounded soldiers, it's another level of risk.

0:27:290:27:35

The constant strain will push their delicate injuries to the limit.

0:27:350:27:41

It's their last chance to see how they cope in the extremes.

0:27:410:27:45

As they set off in the morning, it's minus 28.

0:27:460:27:50

They still have a few important lessons to master,

0:27:500:27:53

like skiing downhill with 60 kilos of kit chasing after you.

0:27:530:27:58

Nearly! Ha-ha-ha!

0:27:580:28:02

I want to see Dags come down this.

0:28:020:28:04

Shit!

0:28:150:28:17

Luckily, the North Pole is flat.

0:28:180:28:21

One of the most important skills is managing body temperature in the extreme environment.

0:28:250:28:31

If you get too hot, you sweat, making your clothes wet.

0:28:330:28:36

That freezes, ruining their thermal properties.

0:28:360:28:41

Equally, if you're too cold, you can get hypothermia or frostbite.

0:28:410:28:46

I'm just putting on some thermals,

0:28:500:28:52

because I've got a slightly cold John Thomas at the moment, if I'm honest.

0:28:520:28:57

The old chap's getting a bit chilly, and I daren't lose a bit.

0:28:570:29:01

Steve's back is also starting to hurt.

0:29:020:29:06

Just starting to feel it now, starting to ache now.

0:29:060:29:09

So, just trying to stay on top of it,

0:29:090:29:13

use the opportunity to have my stretch-off.

0:29:130:29:15

Not on the painkillers yet, still early days.

0:29:180:29:20

Going to try and get through today without any painkillers, see how I am tomorrow.

0:29:200:29:24

The guys push on, skiing for the next eight hours.

0:29:310:29:35

At the end of the day, they've learnt a lot, but at a cost.

0:29:480:29:51

Steve is in pain.

0:29:510:29:54

I got through till about half one this afternoon,

0:29:560:30:00

and then I took some painkillers, But it was all right after that.

0:30:000:30:03

And what's left of Jaco's arm is worrying him.

0:30:030:30:08

The arm was getting very cold in the last two hours.

0:30:080:30:13

Once it goes cold, it takes a little bit of a while to warm it up.

0:30:130:30:16

I feel I need to help, or to do something,

0:30:200:30:24

but sometimes I just get in the way.

0:30:240:30:26

It's a bit frustrating not being able to help.

0:30:260:30:29

I'm just helping Jaco with his boot off.

0:30:310:30:34

He's perfectly capable of doing it himself, but it just saves a little bit of time.

0:30:340:30:38

Double knots, Jaco, absolute no-no.

0:30:390:30:42

As charity founders, Ed and Simon are responsible for the welfare of the team.

0:30:420:30:47

There is an issue with Jaco's arm, in that we couldn't get it warm.

0:30:470:30:51

So we need to find a way to pack Jaco's arm with heat

0:30:510:30:56

that can last a month.

0:30:560:30:58

Ultimately, it's their decision who goes to the pole.

0:30:580:31:03

Steve's my worry. Steve's back is my worry.

0:31:030:31:06

Because I've got to be honest, I don't know how to solve it at the moment.

0:31:060:31:10

For Steve and Jaco, it's been a worrying start,

0:31:100:31:14

and there are still five more days to go.

0:31:140:31:18

As they get into a routine, there's time to enjoy the scenery,

0:31:190:31:24

especially for South African Jaco.

0:31:240:31:26

Amazing to think that we're on a frozen lake now.

0:31:290:31:33

Back home, I would never even see something like this, it's unreal.

0:31:340:31:38

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

0:31:380:31:40

Actually walking on water.

0:31:430:31:46

Breathtaking.

0:31:460:31:48

Today's been absolutely incredible, stunning.

0:31:490:31:53

We haven't seen another person full stop since we started.

0:31:530:31:56

With good weather, the team move on well.

0:31:580:32:01

But as at the pole, the weather can change dramatically and dangerously.

0:32:070:32:12

I'd rather be anywhere but here!

0:32:120:32:16

The wind's howling.

0:32:160:32:18

It is very beautiful,

0:32:180:32:20

but truth be known, it's quite hard.

0:32:200:32:25

The team ski into a 35mph wind for the rest of the day...

0:32:250:32:29

..only pitching camp as the weather finally calms, just before sunset.

0:32:350:32:40

Jaco is concerned about his role on the expedition.

0:32:450:32:49

It's only now that I realise how difficult it is

0:32:490:32:51

to do stuff with one hand.

0:32:510:32:53

I'm just frustrated, basically.

0:32:530:32:55

I'm keen to help, I want to help,

0:32:550:32:57

I want to do...my part of the deal.

0:32:570:33:01

Sorry, it's just getting to me a bit.

0:33:030:33:05

While I'm pulling, all I can think about is

0:33:070:33:11

what can I do, you know, to make it worthwhile that I'm in the team,

0:33:110:33:17

to carry my weight, to show that I'm here for a reason.

0:33:170:33:22

I really do hope the other boys see it as well,

0:33:220:33:26

and they can see that I'm really putting in 110%.

0:33:260:33:30

Overnight, the bad weather has returned, but worse.

0:33:400:33:45

In these conditions, the only shelter is your tent.

0:33:460:33:50

Without it, it's game over.

0:33:500:33:53

While the storm rages on, all they can do is wait it out.

0:33:560:34:00

-Do I live at the North Pole?

-Nope.

0:34:000:34:02

Playing games...

0:34:020:34:05

I'm in the movies,

0:34:050:34:08

and I'm surprisingly not good-looking.

0:34:080:34:10

Watching kit dry...

0:34:110:34:14

We could do a bit of rotation.

0:34:140:34:16

-Anything to pass the time.

-Am I the Hulk?

0:34:160:34:19

Yes!

0:34:190:34:20

Oh, yes!

0:34:200:34:22

Oh, no, the South African one!

0:34:240:34:26

The next morning, the weather's cleared.

0:34:330:34:36

It's all hands on deck to dig themselves out

0:34:370:34:41

and get ready to start skiing again.

0:34:410:34:43

I'm having difficulty, Dags, I've only got the use of one arm.

0:34:430:34:46

It's taken me quite a long time to put your jacket inside your pulk, but hang on a minute...

0:34:460:34:51

-Mind over matter!

-OK, yeah, we're getting there.

0:34:510:34:54

But the mood in camps soon changes

0:34:540:34:57

when Steve's fragile back takes a turn for the worse.

0:34:570:35:01

Go on, keep doing it.

0:35:060:35:08

As Steve's tent buddy, it's Jaco's job to help

0:35:080:35:12

when his spine locks up and goes into spasm.

0:35:120:35:15

So that's my vertebra there...

0:35:170:35:19

If you can't find the gap between the vertebrae, put the palm of your hand on there and press down.

0:35:190:35:24

I've always had Steve as our top risk, because he's the one you can't see.

0:35:240:35:30

Is that better?

0:35:300:35:32

-Keep going...

-I think he's in a great deal of pain.

0:35:320:35:36

Up about an inch, yeah?

0:35:360:35:38

We know they're never going to say "Stop",

0:35:390:35:43

and so we have to do the saying of the stop.

0:35:430:35:47

And he'll start thinking that it's the end of it for him.

0:35:470:35:50

I'm sure it's not, but his back is far, far, far more important.

0:35:500:35:56

You can't do this hard enough, mate, the harder you do it, the better.

0:35:560:35:59

If there's doubt, then we will have to say no.

0:36:010:36:05

Steve takes time to rest his back and allow his painkillers to kick in.

0:36:090:36:13

Half an hour later, he emerges.

0:36:150:36:19

-All right, Steve.

-Boys.

0:36:190:36:21

Still a bit sore, mate.

0:36:210:36:24

I think I'm going to have to take it easy today.

0:36:240:36:27

Feel a bit jacked really, standing here watching the boys do all the work.

0:36:270:36:31

But I suppose that's just part of being of in a team.

0:36:310:36:34

The team set off again, with Jaco pulling Steve's pulk

0:36:380:36:41

for a couple of hours to give his back a rest.

0:36:410:36:44

It took a long time, a good couple of hours,

0:36:490:36:51

after stretching, taking painkillers, to come round a bit.

0:36:510:36:55

I've had to swallow my pride and let Jaco pull my pulk for a few hours.

0:36:550:36:58

'He took a couple of painkillers, he took a couple of hours off,

0:37:020:37:06

'skiing without pulling his pulk,

0:37:060:37:08

'and then he pulled the pulk for the rest of the day, on our longest day.'

0:37:080:37:12

'Steve's back is the one I just don't know about.'

0:37:130:37:16

Being injured, it shuts quite a lot of doors, but it opens up just as many.

0:37:190:37:24

And this door has opened up, and I'm really glad it did.

0:37:240:37:28

It brings back a feeling of being able to do something again.

0:37:280:37:32

Taking wounded soldiers on the first unsupported expedition

0:37:360:37:39

to the North Pole will be tough enough,

0:37:390:37:42

but the guys have shown what can be achieved

0:37:420:37:45

with determination and teamwork.

0:37:450:37:47

We step onto the ice two months today.

0:37:490:37:52

I've always thought we are going to do it - I wouldn't be

0:37:520:37:56

standing here if I thought it wasn't doable -

0:37:560:37:59

but I know it's going to be very, very hard.

0:37:590:38:02

But I've got much more confidence now that we are going to succeed.

0:38:020:38:06

If it was all about willpower, we would cruise this,

0:38:060:38:10

but it's a bit more than that, and that's the jeopardy in it, really.

0:38:100:38:14

I suppose that's the excitement, and that's why no-one's done it.

0:38:140:38:17

Initially when you come back injured, you think life's probably not that great.

0:38:170:38:22

For us, we're doing something we'd have probably never dreamed of doing

0:38:220:38:25

when we were lying in our beds in Camp Bastion after having bits chopped off us.

0:38:250:38:30

MUSIC: "Wild Boys" by Duran Duran

0:38:330:38:38

Back in the UK, and with just a few weeks left

0:38:430:38:45

until they depart for the ice, the team's adventure

0:38:450:38:49

has caught the imagination of both the public...

0:38:490:38:51

You keep them on, I'll get one with the jacket on...

0:38:510:38:54

And the world's press.

0:38:540:38:56

My phone hasn't stopped, all the lads saying, "Just saw you on the telly, heard you on the radio."

0:38:560:39:00

The boys are swept up in a media whirlwind of photo shoots...

0:39:000:39:05

Can everyone look this way, please?

0:39:070:39:09

..TV appearances...

0:39:090:39:11

Filled in the forms...

0:39:110:39:13

..visits to meet the Prime Minister at Number 10...

0:39:130:39:16

How are you...?

0:39:160:39:18

..and a celebrity fund-raising ball.

0:39:180:39:22

# They tried to break us

0:39:220:39:25

# Looks like they'll try again

0:39:250:39:29

# Wild boys

0:39:290:39:31

# Never close your eyes

0:39:310:39:34

# Wild boys always... #

0:39:340:39:38

APPLAUSE

0:39:380:39:43

Just over 12 months after launching themselves on the world,

0:39:460:39:49

the team arrive in Svalbard,

0:39:490:39:52

an island deep within the Arctic Circle.

0:39:520:39:55

It's the start of the final phase of their expedition to the North Pole.

0:39:550:40:00

Prince Harry will be joining them soon,

0:40:000:40:04

after he's finished the next stage of his helicopter training.

0:40:040:40:07

-It's a bit colder.

-It will be a little bit colder!

0:40:070:40:10

In five days, they're due to land on the polar ice cap for the very first time.

0:40:110:40:17

The team are staying in Longyearbyen,

0:40:200:40:22

an old coal-mining town

0:40:220:40:25

that for a brief period every spring is a hub for polar expeditions.

0:40:250:40:30

In a local warehouse, they start prepping their kit, their freeze-dried food

0:40:300:40:36

and everything they will need to survive on the ice cap for the planned three-week trip.

0:40:360:40:43

You've got to force yourself to eat. Especially when you're tired,

0:40:430:40:47

it becomes a significant chore,

0:40:470:40:48

and you've got to just force yourself to get it down you.

0:40:480:40:52

Every day the team will need to consume at least 6,500 calories just to fuel their bodies.

0:40:520:40:59

That's almost three times the normal requirement.

0:40:590:41:02

Hang on - why do you want 50 breakfasts?

0:41:020:41:05

Sorry, 25 breakfasts, 50 main meals.

0:41:050:41:08

-OK. That's more like it, I get it now.

-Happy with that, yeah.

0:41:080:41:12

It's going crazy! HE LAUGHS

0:41:120:41:15

You're either going to starve or arrive at the Pole about 90 stone!

0:41:150:41:18

With Prince Harry's arrival...

0:41:230:41:25

How are you doing, mate?

0:41:250:41:27

..the team is complete.

0:41:270:41:30

Very good to see you.

0:41:300:41:31

'My father knew I was coming out, and so did my brother,

0:41:310:41:35

'but I kind of kept it quiet.'

0:41:350:41:37

My grandparents and the rest of my family probably just found out

0:41:370:41:40

and probably think I'm completely mad - it's probably right.

0:41:400:41:43

My father was nervous because of my lack of training and quite rightly so.

0:41:430:41:47

He's got a lot of friends who've done this.

0:41:470:41:49

Professional opinions no doubt would've advised him, saying, "Do not let your son go."

0:41:490:41:54

But hopefully when I get back,

0:41:540:41:57

my father will be pleased.

0:41:570:42:01

Harry plans to be with the guys for five days -

0:42:020:42:06

two preparing and three on the ice.

0:42:060:42:08

They head off on a 20-mile training ski -

0:42:160:42:19

their first together as a full team.

0:42:190:42:22

HE LAUGHS Woo-hoo!

0:42:280:42:32

LAUGHTER

0:42:370:42:39

First day with the team - fantastic, great experience.

0:42:470:42:50

Probably a little bit harder than originally thought.

0:42:500:42:53

It's really interesting just to see the guys,

0:42:530:42:56

the amount of training they've been doing -

0:42:560:42:58

it's just so slick, and just runs off their feet.

0:42:580:43:00

The guy with one leg as well, it's fantastic to watch them.

0:43:000:43:05

They've been at the front of the pack the whole time, me and the old boys have been stuck at the back.

0:43:050:43:09

Climbing, that's where it really becomes difficult with having one arm.

0:43:140:43:18

You haven't got the weight or the balance of both arms to pull you up.

0:43:180:43:23

So for quite a steep bit, I had to go sideways,

0:43:230:43:26

which is really hard work on the legs.

0:43:260:43:29

'I'm only around for five days, which is nothing compared to those guys, doing four weeks.

0:43:330:43:37

'Generally, I have no idea what to expect. The unknown is slightly scary.'

0:43:390:43:43

Coming up there, when the wind picked up, you start feeling hot spots on your face and your neck,

0:43:430:43:48

but hopefully everybody will look out for each other, and frostbite and such things won't happen.

0:43:480:43:54

'He's fitted in with the boys, really when he walked through the door.'

0:43:560:44:00

He is one of them, he's a soldier just like them. It's been great,

0:44:000:44:04

it's given the team a bit of a lift. We spend all our time with one another and we get on very well,

0:44:040:44:09

but to bring someone else into the team has been great.

0:44:090:44:12

LAUGHTER

0:44:140:44:17

'With any bunch of guys, it would probably be a pretty exhausting trip,

0:44:190:44:22

'but with these guys, it's once-in-a-lifetime.

0:44:220:44:25

'For me, I couldn't say no.'

0:44:250:44:27

LAUGHTER

0:44:280:44:33

There's been a party mood all day,

0:44:360:44:38

a good sign for the team's departure, the day after tomorrow.

0:44:380:44:43

Back in their hotel, Martin's still full of beans.

0:44:500:44:54

Stop it!

0:44:540:44:55

DANCE MUSIC PLAYS

0:44:550:44:58

Doin' a dance for you, Maximus.

0:44:580:45:00

Hey, do one, this is private!

0:45:000:45:03

LAUGHTER

0:45:030:45:05

But Harry's feeling less energetic after seven hours on skis.

0:45:050:45:10

The first bit of it was actually quite fun.

0:45:100:45:13

Yeah, it started all right.

0:45:130:45:16

Afterwards, the second bit of it was, erm,

0:45:160:45:20

was a bit of a nightmare, actually.

0:45:200:45:22

Hard work. Those boys - they're doing seriously well.

0:45:220:45:26

I know they had a lot of training, but that still doesn't excuse

0:45:260:45:30

the fact that they went up that hill at mach 10, and left us all behind.

0:45:300:45:35

So yeah, it was fairly embarrassing.

0:45:350:45:38

My whole body's a bit sore, to be honest.

0:45:380:45:42

Thank God the North Pole's flat.

0:45:420:45:45

Jaco struggled in the cold.

0:45:450:45:48

I just stood about 20 minutes in the shower to try and warm it up and get some feeling back into it.

0:45:480:45:53

It got really, really painful.

0:45:530:45:54

But it's Steve who has suffered the most.

0:45:540:45:58

Right, I'll lift a little bit, try to relax.

0:45:580:46:01

He's called in a physiotherapist to try to sort him out.

0:46:010:46:05

'The last about half hour before we got back, it was quite steep and I went over on the skis.'

0:46:050:46:11

I landed quite heavily on my back, and it was really painful.

0:46:110:46:15

-That's a nice stretch, I like that.

-Yes?

-Yep.

0:46:150:46:18

That feels good.

0:46:180:46:20

New man, thank you very much, mate.

0:46:230:46:25

Cheers. I'm going to definitely have to take it easy now.

0:46:250:46:28

Fingers crossed it will be OK for Friday.

0:46:280:46:31

The next morning, the guys are in their room sorting kit.

0:46:340:46:38

Tomorrow, they're due to depart for the ice.

0:46:400:46:44

-OK, cool.

-Have you seen Dags about?

-Er, yes, I thought they went out to go and get bungee.

-OK, brilliant.

0:46:440:46:51

Harry's playing catch-up organising his rations.

0:46:510:46:54

Some of it's better than army rations, some of it isn't.

0:47:000:47:04

Choc chip dessert is, that can go there.

0:47:040:47:07

What d'you reckon that says, lamb...mullade?

0:47:110:47:15

-Lamb mullen?

-It's like a cross between lamb and duck.

0:47:150:47:18

Whatever it is, it's going to get eaten.

0:47:180:47:22

Are you starting to get to know the guys a little bit?

0:47:220:47:25

Yeah, I am actually. On that first day, that little ski trip we did,

0:47:250:47:30

had a chance to spend some time with each of them.

0:47:300:47:34

That's very good, by the way.

0:47:340:47:36

Had it this morning, it's really nice. Doesn't look nice.

0:47:360:47:40

Definitely looking forward to it, actually. Just trying to work out

0:47:400:47:44

whether I'll be glad to get off the ice or not.

0:47:440:47:46

Hopefully I won't be glad,

0:47:460:47:48

hopefully I'll miss them and hopefully I'll want to stay.

0:47:480:47:52

Because then that means it hasn't been too hard, it means they'll make it.

0:47:520:47:56

Sunshine cereal with raspberry...

0:47:560:47:59

That will cheer my day up.

0:47:590:48:03

Is this very different for you, you know,

0:48:050:48:07

I say getting away from the limelight, but...

0:48:070:48:10

being able to go off and do something on your own?

0:48:100:48:12

Do you mean without policemen and security and so on? Yeah, I know,

0:48:120:48:16

I am looking forward to that.

0:48:160:48:18

I think this takes it to the extreme. I could have just gone for a walk at home, couldn't I, really?

0:48:180:48:24

It will be nice to be just with these guys.

0:48:240:48:26

It's going to be five army lads, and then two old blokes and a couple of guides,

0:48:260:48:32

and then you two.

0:48:320:48:34

It's quite a strange bunch, to be honest.

0:48:340:48:37

We'll all send each other mad!

0:48:370:48:39

1,2,3,4,5,6,7.

0:48:390:48:41

If I eat that much in five days, my body's going to be doing things that it's never done before.

0:48:410:48:46

With the main packing out of the way,

0:48:460:48:49

the team can concentrate on smaller, unfinished tasks...

0:48:490:48:53

-HARRY LAUGHS

-That guy's pretty...

0:48:530:48:57

..like customising their kit for the North Pole.

0:48:590:49:01

Oh, yes!

0:49:010:49:02

I'm about to make a Household Division standard. How am I going to do this?

0:49:020:49:08

Both Prince Harry and Sergeant Steve Young are part of the Household Division,

0:49:080:49:11

whose colours are blue, red, blue.

0:49:110:49:16

Harry wants to make a regimental flash for his polar jacket.

0:49:160:49:19

This is the only problem with being part of the Household Division.

0:49:190:49:23

If you want to do this, you have to do it properly.

0:49:230:49:25

If I don't, old Stevie boy next door is going to go, "No you can't wear that."

0:49:250:49:30

I can't... I...

0:49:300:49:33

HE LAUGHS

0:49:330:49:35

But the third in line to the throne isn't experienced with a needle and thread.

0:49:350:49:39

Oh-la!

0:49:390:49:40

Don't zoom in.

0:49:440:49:45

Don't! I can see your fingers working.

0:49:450:49:48

LAUGHTER

0:49:480:49:50

I bet you can't see the green string.

0:49:500:49:52

-That's pathetic.

-Don't rip it!

-That is pathetic.

-Please don't!

0:49:520:49:56

-If it was one of my blokes...

-Does it take you long to sew, though?

0:49:560:49:59

About five minutes, probably.

0:49:590:50:01

Five minutes? I knew there was a reason you were on the trip.

0:50:010:50:04

What, for sewing?

0:50:040:50:05

It's great to feel you're needed, honest to God, it is.

0:50:050:50:08

It's great to feel part of the team.

0:50:080:50:10

'Prince Harry is obviously an officer.'

0:50:100:50:12

Obviously, an officer. But I suppose it's not expected for officers to be very good at sewing!

0:50:120:50:18

Proofs in the pudding - it was a good effort, but I'll do it for him, no problem, yeah.

0:50:180:50:23

I can hear you in the corridor!

0:50:250:50:28

As the day wears on, thoughts turn to friends and family at home.

0:50:320:50:38

Jaco's showing Harry some family pictures.

0:50:390:50:42

-Who's that?

-That was my girl at the time.

0:50:440:50:47

-So that's your...

-Sister.

0:50:470:50:50

My mother.

0:50:500:50:52

-Millennium Stadium...

-And you guys probably won.

0:50:540:50:58

It's a little photo album my sister made for me as a surprise just before we came out.

0:50:580:51:05

That's Greenwich Park.

0:51:050:51:07

If I keep going through here, there's going to be like a different girl with you every time.

0:51:070:51:12

Unfortunately not, no!

0:51:120:51:15

That's my ex-girlfriend.

0:51:150:51:17

She's still in South Africa.

0:51:170:51:21

It was kind of hard keeping a relationship going.

0:51:220:51:28

It's heartbreaking. I still love her to bits.

0:51:280:51:30

-Oh! That's a tiny little nipper!

-Yeah.

0:51:320:51:36

It's unbelievable, the circle,

0:51:380:51:42

the amount of people that gets affected by just your injuries.

0:51:420:51:46

Friends and family.

0:51:460:51:48

I couldn't even walk, couldn't even wash myself.

0:51:490:51:52

They supported me, they helped me to be where I am today,

0:51:560:51:59

so I'm taking them to the Pole with me to show them a good time!

0:51:590:52:03

Tomorrow, the team depart for the ice.

0:52:090:52:13

It's their last chance to enjoy a proper meal.

0:52:130:52:17

OK, video diary, erm, Harry Wales...

0:52:230:52:26

Can't wait to get on the ice with these guys.

0:52:290:52:31

Just get to spend some time with them in a very special place.

0:52:330:52:36

So, I can't wait to see it, and then I'll be very sad to leave them.

0:52:360:52:41

They're not just doing it for themselves, they're doing it for all their mates

0:52:440:52:48

and their comrades and everybody else in the British Forces,

0:52:480:52:51

who, you know, have given the ultimate sacrifice.

0:52:510:52:53

I hope everything goes according to plan, and they get to the end,

0:52:550:52:58

and there's tears and hugs and all that sort of stuff.

0:52:580:53:01

So, good on them. Good luck, guys, really good luck.

0:53:010:53:06

It's very hard to be serious with you, because you're always laughing,

0:53:070:53:11

but I mean it from the bottom of my heart -

0:53:110:53:14

best of luck.

0:53:140:53:15

Signing off. If I can find the right button.

0:53:150:53:18

The next morning, there's a nasty surprise.

0:53:230:53:26

Overnight, an Arctic storm has blown in and the team's departure is delayed.

0:53:260:53:32

The jet meant to fly them to Barneo, the Russian ice station, is grounded.

0:53:340:53:39

Their goal of reaching the North Pole has just become even harder.

0:53:400:53:45

'We've got no room for error.'

0:53:450:53:47

It means that if our pace slows for one reason or another,

0:53:470:53:51

we really risk not completing the expedition on time.

0:53:510:53:54

'There's already been talk about doing some good long days, 30-36 hours,

0:53:540:53:59

'which we may have to do'

0:53:590:54:00

-as part of it.

-I think we're going to be forced to.

0:54:000:54:05

From a personal opinion, yeah, a bit gutted,

0:54:050:54:09

but mainly for those guys, not being able to get out there and get the job done.

0:54:090:54:13

That's all I really care about, to be honest.

0:54:130:54:15

For four days, all they can do is kill time.

0:54:150:54:19

Yeah, we'll do that tonight.

0:54:240:54:25

That's all right, we suddenly thought that was a bad idea.

0:54:250:54:29

On the back of my diary, I've got all the dates, how long we're here.

0:54:330:54:37

I've crossed off a heck of a lot! We haven't taken one step yet!

0:54:390:54:43

And then...

0:54:490:54:51

Good news or bad news? Bad news?

0:54:510:54:54

-Yep.

-It's minus 42 out there.

0:54:540:54:57

-Nice, nice.

-Good news?

0:54:570:54:59

-Yep.

-Finally...

0:54:590:55:00

-green light.

-Get it on, get it on!

0:55:000:55:03

We're taking the pulks out tonight at six, and then we will fly tomorrow afternoon.

0:55:060:55:12

Finally going!

0:55:120:55:13

That's good news, that's what that is. Let's get going.

0:55:130:55:17

Good news.

0:55:190:55:20

Is that good dancing or bad dancing?

0:55:210:55:25

Erm, we're going tomorrow.

0:55:250:55:27

-What's tomorrow, Sunday?

-Yeah.

-Cool.

0:55:270:55:29

-Is that coming?

-Yeah.

-HE LAUGHS

0:55:290:55:32

That is coming? That's coming?!

0:55:320:55:34

After 13 months of planning, preparation and training, the team are on their way.

0:55:360:55:44

Walls don't move with you!

0:55:440:55:45

THEY LAUGH

0:55:450:55:49

'It's unbelievable really, that I've been given this opportunity to do it.

0:55:580:56:02

'Stevie, from the Rhondda Valley, it's unheard of.

0:56:020:56:07

'I think this is like, sort of, the end of a two-year part of my life.

0:56:080:56:14

'It's taken a massive chunk out of my life, this injury.

0:56:140:56:17

'It's like, sort of, an end goal,

0:56:170:56:21

'me going to the North Pole.

0:56:210:56:22

'Before I went to Afghan, I had several major fears - one, to lose a bloke, and that happened.

0:56:260:56:30

'It's something that'll be with me until the day I die.

0:56:300:56:34

'Two, I didn't want anyone to die in our regiment - we lost six guys.

0:56:350:56:40

'Three, quite selfishly, I didn't want to get injured myself,

0:56:400:56:44

'I didn't want to lose legs - and that happened.

0:56:440:56:47

'It's a fault of the young - you feel completely immortal until you have a bit of a knock.

0:56:470:56:52

'It's going to be hard, it's going to be difficult.

0:56:520:56:56

'All you can do is train, seek advice from those that have done it.

0:56:560:57:01

'And then prepare yourselves as best you can -

0:57:010:57:05

'in our case, adapt and improvise to accommodate our injuries.

0:57:050:57:10

'I think we've done that.

0:57:100:57:12

'Life isn't easy.

0:57:140:57:16

'It takes me always a couple of minutes extra to do something now.

0:57:160:57:21

'And then when you're on your own, you need a bit of help, but there's no-one to help you.

0:57:210:57:26

'There is days when I'm angry and fed up, yes.

0:57:260:57:29

'You just need to put your pride away,

0:57:290:57:32

'you just need to let someone help you.

0:57:320:57:35

'I think it's great, I think it's going to be life-changing, to be honest.

0:57:350:57:39

-HARRY:

-'My only concern is the mentality within the British Forces

0:57:410:57:45

'is, if you're feeling yourself becoming man down,

0:57:450:57:48

'then you don't say anything, cos you're so mentally willing to be at the front.

0:57:480:57:52

'You will eventually just drop.

0:57:520:57:54

'But obviously in these environments, you can't do that, you have to be honest with yourself.

0:57:540:57:59

'Gone are the days of trying to be Mr Tough Guy - if you have a problem, a niggle,

0:57:590:58:02

'you talk about it and you share the pain, because otherwise you're never going to survive,

0:58:020:58:08

'simple as that.'

0:58:080:58:09

Four wounded British soldiers,

0:58:110:58:14

two expedition founders,

0:58:140:58:16

one polar guide,

0:58:160:58:19

one prince,

0:58:190:58:21

and one polar ice cap.

0:58:210:58:24

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

0:58:330:58:37

E-mail [email protected]

0:58:370:58:40

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