0:00:03 > 0:00:07The Arctic, one of the harshest environments on the planet.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11Warm the hands up before they get excruciatingly cold.
0:00:11 > 0:00:17Temperatures can sink to minus 50 degrees centigrade,
0:00:17 > 0:00:19the wind can reach 110 miles an hour,
0:00:19 > 0:00:25and all that's between you and 2.5 miles of ink-black Arctic Ocean
0:00:25 > 0:00:28are a few thin inches of ice.
0:00:31 > 0:00:36If your pole goes in and you're not in your harness, you go to the bottom of the sea.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38Careful!
0:00:38 > 0:00:41Into this extreme, four wounded British soldiers...
0:00:41 > 0:00:44Oh, right on the ribs!
0:00:45 > 0:00:48It is quite hard, we're not making a lot of ground.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51..two expedition founders...
0:00:51 > 0:00:54It's the end of day... Oh, holy cow.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57..one polar guide...
0:00:57 > 0:01:01We have to be more careful because the pole can run over and break your leg.
0:01:01 > 0:01:06- ..and one prince... - No matter who you are, unless you really hate the cold,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08this place is amazing.
0:01:10 > 0:01:15Together they'll attempt the first unsupported trek to the North Pole
0:01:15 > 0:01:17by wounded servicemen.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26If successful, they'll set a new world record.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32This is the story of their journey,
0:01:32 > 0:01:36from the battlefields of Afghanistan
0:01:36 > 0:01:39to top of the world.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58..if my military commitments allow me, I would love to join the team.
0:01:58 > 0:02:02It's spring 2010 and the Walking With The Wounded team
0:02:02 > 0:02:05are holding their first press conference with their royal patron.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07'Obviously, once I was asked,'
0:02:07 > 0:02:12it was a very easy opportunity to say I would love to join this.
0:02:12 > 0:02:14It's an opportunity I just couldn't let go.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16I don't think anybody else would.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20'It's going to be serious for them and nobody should underestimate
0:02:20 > 0:02:23'what these guys are putting themselves through
0:02:23 > 0:02:26'not just for themselves but for everybody else who's been injured.'
0:02:28 > 0:02:34This project exemplifies the tenacity and courage of those who serve our country.
0:02:34 > 0:02:35It really is that simple.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38It's great to be part of this amazing adventure
0:02:38 > 0:02:41and with such a great bunch of guys.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Three months later and charity founders Ed Parker and Simon Daglish
0:02:45 > 0:02:50have brought two soldiers to a UK training session in Norfolk.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53This is the early days of it all.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57We'll start off with this and no doubt build up as the year goes on.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00The plan is to take four wounded soldiers to the Pole,
0:03:00 > 0:03:05but with less than ten months until they depart, and seeing over 100 applicants,
0:03:05 > 0:03:10the expedition organisers only have two suitable candidates.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12Come on, Granddad, let's go for a walk.
0:03:13 > 0:03:1829-year-old, Captain Martin Hewitt was serving with the Parachute Regiment
0:03:18 > 0:03:21when he was severely wounded in Afghanistan.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26I wanted to join the Forces and I specifically wanted to join the Parachute Regiment.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30That was the proudest day of my life when I found out I got in there.
0:03:30 > 0:03:38After joining the Army Cadets at 16, Martin went on to serve with the Paras in Afghanistan twice.
0:03:38 > 0:03:43It was on his second tour in 2007 that things went tragically wrong.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54We had a very good talk before we deployed,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57saying, "Listen, lads, about a third of you won't come back."
0:03:59 > 0:04:02It was a risk that I accepted.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08Martin was leading a platoon of paratroopers during Operation Herrick
0:04:08 > 0:04:12when he took a direct hit to his right shoulder.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14At first I thought I'd lost the limb
0:04:14 > 0:04:17and I first looked around to try and pick it up
0:04:17 > 0:04:20but realised it was still attached. It was paralysed.
0:04:23 > 0:04:29I knew very quickly it was serious, and I had arterial bleeding.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32You could see it coming out, it was very bright red...
0:04:32 > 0:04:36blood pulsating out of you in line with your heart beat.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43I got my hand in there and tried to clamp the artery shut,
0:04:43 > 0:04:45which I was having difficulty doing
0:04:45 > 0:04:48and I could feel the life draining out of me.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51I felt myself going. You do, feel yourself fading.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58I was thinking to myself, "There's no way I'm dying on this desert floor here, not a chance."
0:05:01 > 0:05:06The bullet ripped through Martin's shoulder leaving a four-inch exit wound.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10It shredded the brachial artery, the main blood supply to the arm,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13and severed all the nerves,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16leaving the limb paralysed.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20Learning to adapt to life with the use of one arm, you can do.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23The most difficult battle I've had is the psychological impact
0:05:23 > 0:05:27of not being able to do the job I wanted to do and that I loved.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32I will not command soldiers on operations again.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39I tried this one instead of this,
0:05:39 > 0:05:41but this one is very wobbly, so I'm not going to do it.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43I'll use this one instead.
0:05:43 > 0:05:4728-year-old, Captain Guy Disney, who serves with the Light Dragoons,
0:05:47 > 0:05:51lost his right leg in Afghanistan in 2009.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- What was wrong with that? - It's too wobbly.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- Really?- Yeah.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59I think looking at footage of Afghanistan on the news, you felt
0:05:59 > 0:06:03almost a duty to go and do your bit.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09On 6th May 2009, the armoured reconnaissance vehicle that Guy was commanding
0:06:09 > 0:06:12was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17Effectively a jet of molten metal came through the side of the vehicle
0:06:17 > 0:06:22and that went through my leg and tragically killed the soldier next to me.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29I looked down and it was hanging off, and...
0:06:29 > 0:06:33It's almost like when you hold a boot by its laces and swing it,
0:06:33 > 0:06:36there were a couple of bits of tendon left.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41The bone had all gone and initially it was like, "Christ, that's definitely coming off."
0:06:43 > 0:06:47The initial feelings were, you know, "Bugger," if that makes sense.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54The RPG, destroyed Guy's leg just below the knee.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58Within hours, the doctors in Afghanistan were forced to amputate,
0:06:58 > 0:07:04leaving a raw stump that's needed four separate operations to repair.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12I couldn't really believe it had happened.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15I still felt I was meant to be out there doing the job
0:07:15 > 0:07:19and suddenly you're having everything done for yourself, that's a frustrating period.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Trekking to the North Pole in ten months' time
0:07:26 > 0:07:30will be Guy and Martin's biggest challenge since being wounded.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34Guy and I are still in a state of rehabilitation ourselves.
0:07:34 > 0:07:38I've had 13 operations to date, myself.
0:07:38 > 0:07:41I'm nothing like as fit at the minute as I was when I got shot.
0:07:41 > 0:07:47I've got a long way to go get that level back, but it's coming.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51Ed and Simon may have their first wounded servicemen,
0:07:51 > 0:07:55but time's running out to find two more.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58While they continue their search,
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Guy's off to in New York with team patron, Prince Harry.
0:08:02 > 0:08:04With the Afghanistan War in its tenth year,
0:08:04 > 0:08:08they're here to help strengthen military relations,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11but also to promote the expedition.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14Ladies and gentleman, Prince Harry.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17APPLAUSE
0:08:17 > 0:08:19Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
0:08:19 > 0:08:22I would just like to steal a few moments of your time
0:08:22 > 0:08:25to talk about an important and very serious matter.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29It's the welfare of our men and women in uniform,
0:08:29 > 0:08:33those who we send out to fight our wars and protect our freedom.
0:08:33 > 0:08:38You know, myself and my brother and, I suppose, a huge majority of the British public as well
0:08:38 > 0:08:42support these guys in everything they do and always will do, hopefully.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47For... I probably speak for William, as well, but mainly for myself,
0:08:47 > 0:08:50after doing a very small stint in Afghanistan,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53I'd like to think that I've got a rough idea
0:08:53 > 0:08:55about what goes on and how they feel.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01# Can you see by the dawn's early light? #
0:09:01 > 0:09:08Prince Harry and Guy are also taking part in a charity run in Central Park.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12HARRY: After seeing the way these guys dealt with it,
0:09:12 > 0:09:17if I did go back, I wouldn't have as much fear of getting hit as I did the first time.
0:09:17 > 0:09:23I'm not saying I've accepted that if I go out and get shot then that'll be fine.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26I'm just saying, to see the way these guys have dealt with it
0:09:26 > 0:09:31and the way that every other soldier deals with it back at Selly Oak and Headley Court,
0:09:31 > 0:09:36it gives you that feeling of going, "If I do go back and do get hit, I hope I end up like these guys."
0:09:36 > 0:09:41# O'er the land of the free
0:09:41 > 0:09:47# And the home of the brave. #
0:09:47 > 0:09:49CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:09:54 > 0:09:59No-one wants to get injured, but the guys have accepted that your life's not over,
0:09:59 > 0:10:04it's not come to an end, there's other things you can do. Walk to the North Pole, for instance.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07The inspiration these guys give to everybody else is unbelievable.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17Back in the UK, with only seven months to go,
0:10:17 > 0:10:22Ed, Simon, Guy and Martin have come to Bodmin Moor for a training session.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29Crucially, they've brought along two more would-be team members.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37The youngest is 26-year-old South African, Jaco Van Gass.
0:10:37 > 0:10:44He was hit by an RPG during a firefight in Afghanistan on his second tour with the Paras.
0:10:45 > 0:10:50'I came over to the UK in 2006, to join the British Army.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52'I literally just landed'
0:10:52 > 0:10:56the Saturday morning and in the Monday morning
0:10:56 > 0:10:59I was in the recruiting office signing the paperwork.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03For me, serving in Afghanistan was absolutely brilliant.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06It's a brotherhood that you pick up,
0:11:06 > 0:11:11and even the day you leave the Army, you'll always be part of that family.
0:11:13 > 0:11:21In the early hours of August 20th, 2009, Jaco's unit was heading out on an operation.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25The chopper's came in, we landed on the target.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28I just heard a massive noise.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34By the time I woke up, I didn't really know what happened.
0:11:36 > 0:11:43As I sat up and tried to raise my weapon, that's when I realised that I've lost my arm.
0:11:46 > 0:11:53I just sat, flat on the ground and fired a couple of rounds off from my hip.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58The amount of blood I lost was ridiculous.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00The pain was unbelievable.
0:12:03 > 0:12:06There was a point where I think, "Yes, I'm going to die."
0:12:08 > 0:12:12That was the point that I lost consciousness and then that was it.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17The next time I woke up I was in Selly Oak.
0:12:20 > 0:12:25The blast severed Jaco's arm above the elbow,
0:12:25 > 0:12:29a third of the muscle on his left leg was blown away.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32He suffered extensive damage to his internal organs
0:12:32 > 0:12:35and has had 15 operations over the past 12 months.
0:12:38 > 0:12:42Going out with my mates again, to the pub, or to a club,
0:12:42 > 0:12:47all the girls are interested in them, and then you turn around and you've got no arm, and...
0:12:47 > 0:12:49they don't really know what to say.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51It was really hard.
0:12:53 > 0:12:59There are certain days, I look back and I'm thinking, "Bloody hell, I was in good shape there."
0:12:59 > 0:13:06There is something in you that says, "I really wish I could get back to looking like that."
0:13:08 > 0:13:14You need to sit down with yourself and realise that you're not a fully able body any more.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18You've got certain injuries and certain stuff that happened to you.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26The reason why we're doing this, is for other servicemen and women,
0:13:26 > 0:13:30to show them that something like this is possible.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Right, next point.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39What, that little scarp there?
0:13:39 > 0:13:44Yeah, you're going to hit that knoll on the left-hand side there,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46so come up the left-hand side of the scarp.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Good to stretch the legs, really.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51Haven't tabbed for a while, so it's good to get out and stretch the legs.
0:13:51 > 0:13:57I think that's about the first two miles done, another ten to go, so... We shall see.
0:13:57 > 0:14:04Sergeant Stephen Young, a 28-year-old Welsh Guardsman, was injured in Afghanistan in 2009.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07I was that typical kid running around with a toy gun,
0:14:07 > 0:14:10and it has always been my ambition to join the Army.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14His fiancee, Emma, has been his bedrock ever since.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17It means absolutely everything to him.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20I'd love him to have a 9-5 job and come home to me, but it's not going to happen.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27On 1st August, as Steve was redeploying back to the front line,
0:14:27 > 0:14:30his vehicle was blown up by an IED.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32It's not just like hearing a noise - bang.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34It travels through your whole body.
0:14:36 > 0:14:40I remember being thrown forwards, like face down on the floor.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43So I tried getting up, and that's when I felt
0:14:43 > 0:14:46a massive, massive intense pain just in my back.
0:14:46 > 0:14:51And when I pulled myself up, my legs swung, er,
0:14:51 > 0:14:55because I couldn't use them properly, and my back crunched.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58I really thought, yep, that's me, I'm dead.
0:15:00 > 0:15:06The blast broke Steve's back, causing a complicated burst fracture of the vertebrae
0:15:06 > 0:15:09and extensive soft tissue damage.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12He was told he would never walk again.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16It was 1,001 things going through my mind, a lot of them were selfish -
0:15:16 > 0:15:19me walking, me running, me, me, me, me.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Didn't at that stage really think of the family,
0:15:22 > 0:15:25which I knew later on it would have had a massive impact on.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32The initial finding out was absolutely horrendous,
0:15:32 > 0:15:35and I don't think it really hit me until I was driving home
0:15:35 > 0:15:38after telling everybody, and I was on the motorway
0:15:38 > 0:15:43and I had to pull over because it all hit me at once.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48I was flown home then within a day, and when I got back to Selly Oak,
0:15:48 > 0:15:52they said, "Look, you will walk again, but with a frame for life."
0:15:55 > 0:15:59Unless someone's actually got this sort of injury,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02you don't understand, you don't realise how much it affects you on a daily basis.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05It's just a constant ache.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- But you learn to deal with it. - You just adapt, don't you?
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Yeah, yeah, that's it, yeah.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18After 15 miles slogging across Bodmin Moor,
0:16:18 > 0:16:22both Steve and Jaco have impressed the organisers.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26It's really great having Jaco and Steve with us.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29Jaco is... To see him here now
0:16:29 > 0:16:34is I think the essence of everything we're trying to show people.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38So yeah, I think we could have our team.
0:16:44 > 0:16:49There are ongoing concerns for all the wounded soldiers, but with the team complete,
0:16:49 > 0:16:54at least they can begin preparing for everything the North Pole will throw at them.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56I'm getting excited now.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01I haven't had that feeling for three years now, since I been shot.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05This is the first time I've got that kind of excitement that I used to get
0:17:05 > 0:17:09every week in work, so it's good, getting back in the game.
0:17:09 > 0:17:11Albeit doing something completely different.
0:17:11 > 0:17:14But yeah, it's all good, mate.
0:17:25 > 0:17:26As of July 2011,
0:17:26 > 0:17:321,712 service personnel have been injured in Afghanistan.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Four months later, and the team are doing
0:17:40 > 0:17:45a photo shoot for GQ magazine, to raise the profile of the expedition.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50The shoot's with one of Britain's best-known photographers, David Bailey.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56Bailey, a keen supporter of the Armed Forces,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59is donating his services for free.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Who did the artwork at the back, the Apaches?
0:18:03 > 0:18:05I nicked that, someone had painted it on the wall, so I photographed it and nicked it.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09I'm not a very photogenic person, I don't take a good picture.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12It doesn't matter if it's on a mobile phone or David Bailey,
0:18:12 > 0:18:14I don't think I'll look that good on picture.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19It's not only a chance to have their portraits taken by one of the world's best-known photographers,
0:18:19 > 0:18:25it's also a chance to spend some time with their patron, Prince Harry.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28We're very fortunate and humble to have him on board -
0:18:28 > 0:18:30and it'll be good to meet him.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33He's trying to help us raise the profile of the charity
0:18:33 > 0:18:36and raise as much money for the charity as he possibly can.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37He's met some of them before,
0:18:37 > 0:18:42but this is the first time that the full team has come together.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45We can hopefully get to know him a bit, so when he comes up,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47he's not meeting a bunch of strangers.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50We all sort of know each other already.
0:18:52 > 0:18:57Very excited to meet him and to socialise a bit with him.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04I'm just happy to be here with them
0:19:04 > 0:19:08and give them as much support as I can, and have a laugh with them.
0:19:08 > 0:19:12Because I like to think I'm just one of the lads - whether I am or not!
0:19:21 > 0:19:23Shall we go, shall we start?
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- Yes, I've started.- You've started?!
0:19:28 > 0:19:31He is obviously a prince, part of the royal family,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34but he is also a squaddie. So, we're all squaddies here,
0:19:34 > 0:19:38we've all got the same mentality, so hopefully we'll get along.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40It's basically do whatever you want, so yeah!
0:19:48 > 0:19:50It's important we do get to know each other a bit.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00It's going to be quite intense living conditions, 10-12 hours skiing together,
0:20:00 > 0:20:02and then living in the tents as well.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06I think it makes it easier for someone from my position,
0:20:06 > 0:20:10it's nice to be able to relate to them, and to be able to say that I've been there
0:20:10 > 0:20:15and they know that I've experienced similar things to them, up until the injury itself.
0:20:15 > 0:20:20It's nice to be able to sit down and have a bit of banter with them,
0:20:20 > 0:20:22and that they've lost an arm or lost a leg.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26It is very interesting having this time to talk to the guys.
0:20:26 > 0:20:30Despite knowing their backgrounds and their stories, there's so much more to it.
0:20:30 > 0:20:34And that is fascinating, it's actually quite sad in a way as well.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44With nine weeks until they depart
0:20:44 > 0:20:47and Prince Harry on an army helicopter course,
0:20:47 > 0:20:52the rest of the team come to Norway for their final winter training.
0:20:52 > 0:20:56The cold is tough enough for an able-bodied person,
0:20:56 > 0:21:02but for these wounded soldiers, it's another level of risk.
0:21:02 > 0:21:08The constant strain will push their delicate injuries to the limit.
0:21:10 > 0:21:16One of the most important skills is managing body temperature in the extreme environment.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21If you get too hot, you sweat, making your clothes wet.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25That freezes, ruining their thermal properties.
0:21:25 > 0:21:31Equally, if you're too cold, you can get hypothermia or frostbite.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37I'm just putting on some thermals,
0:21:37 > 0:21:42because I've got a slightly cold John Thomas at the moment, if I'm honest.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46The old chap's getting a bit chilly, and I daren't lose a bit.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Steve's back is also starting to hurt.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54Just starting to feel it now, starting to ache now.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57So, just trying to stay on top of it,
0:21:57 > 0:22:00use the opportunity to have my stretch-off.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05Not on the painkillers yet, still early days.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09Going to try and get through today without any painkillers, see how I am tomorrow.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20The guys push on, skiing for the next eight hours.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36At the end of the day, they've learnt a lot, but at a cost.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42I got through till about half one this afternoon,
0:22:42 > 0:22:46and then I took some painkillers, But it was all right after that.
0:22:46 > 0:22:51The arm was getting very cold in the last two hours.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55Once it goes cold, it takes a little bit of a while to warm it up.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59For Steve and Jaco, it's been a worrying start,
0:22:59 > 0:23:02and there are still five more days to go.
0:23:06 > 0:23:08With good weather, the team move on well.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15But as at the pole, the weather can change dramatically and dangerously.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23I'd rather be anywhere but here!
0:23:23 > 0:23:26The wind's howling.
0:23:26 > 0:23:27It is very beautiful,
0:23:27 > 0:23:32but truth be known, it's quite hard.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36The team ski into a 35mph wind for the rest of the day...
0:23:42 > 0:23:47..only pitching camp as the weather finally calms, just before sunset.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56Jaco is concerned about his role on the expedition.
0:23:56 > 0:23:58It's only now that I realise how difficult it is
0:23:58 > 0:24:00to do stuff with one hand.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02I'm just frustrated, basically.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05I'm keen to help, I want to help,
0:24:05 > 0:24:09I want to do...my part of the deal.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13Sorry, it's just getting to me a bit.
0:24:14 > 0:24:19While I'm pulling, all I can think about is
0:24:19 > 0:24:25what can I do, you know, to make it worthwhile that I'm in the team,
0:24:25 > 0:24:29to carry my weight, to show that I'm here for a reason.
0:24:29 > 0:24:33I really do hope the other boys see it as well,
0:24:33 > 0:24:37and they can see that I'm really putting in 110%.
0:24:39 > 0:24:46The next morning, as they prepare to head off for another day, its Steve's turn t suffer,
0:24:46 > 0:24:49when his fragile back starts to hurt.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Go on, keep doing it.
0:24:57 > 0:25:01As Steve's tent buddy, it's Jaco's job to help
0:25:01 > 0:25:04when his spine locks up and goes into spasm.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08So that's my vertebra there...
0:25:08 > 0:25:13If you can't find the gap between the vertebrae, put the palm of your hand on there and press down.
0:25:13 > 0:25:19I've always had Steve as our top risk, because he's the one you can't see.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Is that better?
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- Keep going...- I think he's in a great deal of pain.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27Up about an inch, yeah?
0:25:28 > 0:25:32We know they're never going to say "Stop",
0:25:32 > 0:25:36and so we have to do the saying of the stop.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39And he'll start thinking that it's the end of it for him.
0:25:39 > 0:25:45I'm sure it's not, but his back is far, far, far more important.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48You can't do this hard enough, mate, the harder you do it, the better.
0:25:50 > 0:25:54If there's doubt, then we will have to say no.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02Steve takes time to rest his back and allow his painkillers to kick in.
0:26:04 > 0:26:08Half an hour later, he emerges.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- All right, Steve.- Boys.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Still a bit sore, mate.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16I think I'm going to have to take it easy today.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20Feel a bit jacked really, standing here watching the boys do all the work.
0:26:20 > 0:26:23But I suppose that's just part of being of in a team.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30The team set off again, with Jaco pulling Steve's pulk
0:26:30 > 0:26:33for a couple of hours to give his back a rest.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39'He took a couple of painkillers, he took a couple of hours off,
0:26:39 > 0:26:41'skiing without pulling his pulk,
0:26:41 > 0:26:45'and then he pulled the pulk for the rest of the day, on our longest day.'
0:26:46 > 0:26:50'Steve's back is the one I just don't know about.'
0:26:53 > 0:26:57Being injured, it shuts quite a lot of doors, but it opens up just as many.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01And this door has opened up, and I'm really glad it did.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05It brings back a feeling of being able to do something again.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13Taking wounded soldiers on the first unsupported expedition
0:27:13 > 0:27:15to the North Pole will be tough enough,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18but the guys have shown what can be achieved
0:27:18 > 0:27:20with determination and teamwork.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26We step onto the ice two months today.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30I've always thought we are going to do it - I wouldn't be
0:27:30 > 0:27:33standing here if I thought it wasn't doable -
0:27:33 > 0:27:36but I know it's going to be very, very hard.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40But I've got much more confidence now that we are going to succeed.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44If it was all about willpower, we would cruise this,
0:27:44 > 0:27:48but it's a bit more than that, and that's the jeopardy in it, really.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51I suppose that's the excitement, and that's why no-one's done it.
0:27:51 > 0:27:56Initially when you come back injured, you think life's probably not that great.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59For us, we're doing something we'd have probably never dreamed of doing
0:27:59 > 0:28:04when we were lying in our beds in Camp Bastion after having bits chopped off us.
0:28:07 > 0:28:12MUSIC: "Wild Boys" by Duran Duran
0:28:17 > 0:28:19Back in the UK, and with just a few weeks left
0:28:19 > 0:28:23until they depart for the ice, the team's adventure
0:28:23 > 0:28:25has caught the imagination of both the public...
0:28:25 > 0:28:28You keep them on, I'll get one with the jacket on...
0:28:28 > 0:28:30And the world's press.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34My phone hasn't stopped, all the lads saying, "Just saw you on the telly, heard you on the radio."
0:28:34 > 0:28:39The boys are swept up in a media whirlwind of photo shoots...
0:28:41 > 0:28:43Can everyone look this way, please?
0:28:43 > 0:28:45..TV appearances...
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Filled in the forms...
0:28:47 > 0:28:50..visits to meet the Prime Minister at Number 10...
0:28:50 > 0:28:52How are you...?
0:28:52 > 0:28:56..and a celebrity fund-raising ball.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59# They tried to break us
0:28:59 > 0:29:03# Looks like they'll try again
0:29:03 > 0:29:05# Wild boys
0:29:05 > 0:29:08# Never close your eyes
0:29:08 > 0:29:12# Wild boys always... #
0:29:12 > 0:29:17APPLAUSE
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Just over 12 months after launching themselves on the world,
0:29:23 > 0:29:26the team arrive in Svalbard,
0:29:26 > 0:29:29an island deep within the Arctic Circle.
0:29:29 > 0:29:36In a few days, they're due to land on the polar ice cap for the very first time.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39'My father knew I was coming out, and so did my brother,
0:29:39 > 0:29:40'but I kind of kept it quiet.'
0:29:41 > 0:29:44My grandparents and the rest of my family probably just found out
0:29:44 > 0:29:47and probably think I'm completely mad - it's probably right.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50But hopefully when I get back,
0:29:50 > 0:29:52my father will be pleased.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Harry plans to be with the guys for five days -
0:29:58 > 0:30:00two preparing and three on the ice.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11They head off on a 20-mile training ski -
0:30:11 > 0:30:14their first together as a full team.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24HE LAUGHS Woo-hoo!
0:30:29 > 0:30:31LAUGHTER
0:30:39 > 0:30:42First day with the team - fantastic, great experience.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Probably a little bit harder than originally thought.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48It's really interesting just to see the guys,
0:30:48 > 0:30:50the amount of training they've been doing -
0:30:50 > 0:30:52it's just so slick, and just runs off their feet.
0:30:52 > 0:30:57The guy with one leg as well, it's fantastic to watch them.
0:30:57 > 0:31:01They've been at the front of the pack the whole time, me and the old boys have been stuck at the back.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10Climbing, that's where it really becomes difficult with having one arm.
0:31:10 > 0:31:15You haven't got the weight or the balance of both arms to pull you up.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19So for quite a steep bit, I had to go sideways,
0:31:19 > 0:31:21which is really hard work on the legs.
0:31:25 > 0:31:30'I'm only around for five days, which is nothing compared to those guys, doing four weeks.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36'Generally, I have no idea what to expect. The unknown is slightly scary.'
0:31:39 > 0:31:42'He's fitted in with the boys, really when he walked through the door.'
0:31:42 > 0:31:46He is one of them, he's a soldier just like them. It's been great,
0:31:46 > 0:31:51it's given the team a bit of a lift. We spend all our time with one another and we get on very well,
0:31:51 > 0:31:55but to bring someone else into the team has been great.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00LAUGHTER
0:32:01 > 0:32:05'With any bunch of guys, it would probably be a pretty exhausting trip,
0:32:05 > 0:32:07'but with these guys, it's once-in-a-lifetime.
0:32:07 > 0:32:09'For me, I couldn't say no.'
0:32:11 > 0:32:16LAUGHTER
0:32:18 > 0:32:20There's been a party mood all day,
0:32:20 > 0:32:25a good sign for the team's departure, the day after tomorrow.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Back in their hotel, Martin's still full of beans.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39Stop it!
0:32:39 > 0:32:41DANCE MUSIC PLAYS
0:32:41 > 0:32:44Doin' a dance for you, Maximus.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47Hey, do one, this is private!
0:32:47 > 0:32:48LAUGHTER
0:32:48 > 0:32:53But Harry's feeling less energetic after seven hours on skis.
0:32:53 > 0:32:56The first bit of it was actually quite fun.
0:32:56 > 0:33:00Yeah, it started all right.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Afterwards, the second bit of it was, erm,
0:33:03 > 0:33:06was a bit of a nightmare, actually.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10Hard work. Those boys - they're doing seriously well.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14My whole body's a bit sore, to be honest.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16Thank God the North Pole's flat.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19Jaco struggled in the cold.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24I just stood about 20 minutes in the shower to try and warm it up and get some feeling back into it.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27It got really, really painful.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30But it's Steve who has suffered the most.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34Right, I'll lift a little bit, try to relax.
0:33:34 > 0:33:38He's called in a physiotherapist to try to sort him out.
0:33:38 > 0:33:44'The last about half hour before we got back, it was quite steep and I went over on the skis.'
0:33:44 > 0:33:47I landed quite heavily on my back, and it was really painful.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51- That's a nice stretch, I like that. - Yes?- Yep.
0:33:51 > 0:33:53That feels good.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58New man, thank you very much, mate.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01Cheers. I'm going to definitely have to take it easy now.
0:34:01 > 0:34:04Fingers crossed it will be OK for Friday.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10The next morning, the guys are in their room sorting kit.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17Tomorrow, they're due to depart for the ice.
0:34:17 > 0:34:24- OK, cool.- Have you seen Dags about? - Er, yes, I thought they went out to go and get bungee.- OK, brilliant.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27Harry's playing catch-up organising his rations.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36Some of it's better than army rations, some of it isn't.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40Choc chip dessert is, that can go there.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48What d'you reckon that says, lamb...mullade?
0:34:48 > 0:34:51- Lamb mullen?- It's like a cross between lamb and duck.
0:34:51 > 0:34:55Whatever it is, it's going to get eaten.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58Are you starting to get to know the guys a little bit?
0:34:58 > 0:35:03Yeah, I am actually. On that first day, that little ski trip we did,
0:35:03 > 0:35:07had a chance to spend some time with each of them.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09That's very good, by the way.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13Had it this morning, it's really nice. Doesn't look nice.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17Definitely looking forward to it, actually. Just trying to work out
0:35:17 > 0:35:19whether I'll be glad to get off the ice or not.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Hopefully I won't be glad,
0:35:21 > 0:35:25hopefully I'll miss them and hopefully I'll want to stay.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29Because then that means it hasn't been too hard, it means they'll make it.
0:35:29 > 0:35:32Sunshine cereal with raspberry...
0:35:32 > 0:35:36That will cheer my day up.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40Is this very different for you, you know,
0:35:40 > 0:35:42I say getting away from the limelight, but...
0:35:42 > 0:35:45being able to go off and do something on your own?
0:35:45 > 0:35:49Do you mean without policemen and security and so on? Yeah, I know,
0:35:49 > 0:35:51I am looking forward to that.
0:35:51 > 0:35:57I think this takes it to the extreme. I could have just gone for a walk at home, couldn't I, really?
0:35:57 > 0:35:59It will be nice to be just with these guys.
0:35:59 > 0:36:05It's going to be five army lads, and then two old blokes and a couple of guides,
0:36:05 > 0:36:07and then you two.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10It's quite a strange bunch, to be honest.
0:36:10 > 0:36:12We'll all send each other mad!
0:36:12 > 0:36:141, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
0:36:14 > 0:36:19If I eat that much in five days, my body's going to be doing things that it's never done before.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22With the main packing out of the way,
0:36:22 > 0:36:26the team can concentrate on smaller, unfinished tasks...
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- HARRY LAUGHS - That guy's pretty...
0:36:31 > 0:36:34..like customising their kit for the North Pole.
0:36:34 > 0:36:35Oh, yes!
0:36:35 > 0:36:40I'm about to make a Household Division standard. How am I going to do this?
0:36:40 > 0:36:44Both Prince Harry and Sergeant Steve Young are part of the Household Division,
0:36:44 > 0:36:49whose colours are blue, red, blue.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52Harry wants to make a regimental flash for his polar jacket.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55This is the only problem with being part of the Household Division.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58If you want to do this, you have to do it properly.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03If I don't, old Stevie boy next door is going to go, "No you can't wear that."
0:37:03 > 0:37:05I can't... I...
0:37:05 > 0:37:07HE LAUGHS
0:37:07 > 0:37:12But the third in line to the throne isn't experienced with a needle and thread.
0:37:12 > 0:37:13Oh-la!
0:37:17 > 0:37:18Don't zoom in.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20Don't! I can see your fingers working.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23LAUGHTER
0:37:23 > 0:37:25I bet you can't see the green string.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29- That's pathetic.- Don't rip it! - That is pathetic.- Please don't!
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- If it was one of my blokes...- Does it take you long to sew, though?
0:37:32 > 0:37:34About five minutes, probably.
0:37:34 > 0:37:37Five minutes? I knew there was a reason you were on the trip.
0:37:37 > 0:37:38What, for sewing?
0:37:38 > 0:37:41It's great to feel you're needed, honest to God, it is.
0:37:41 > 0:37:43It's great to feel part of the team.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45'Prince Harry is obviously an officer.'
0:37:45 > 0:37:50Obviously, an officer. But I suppose it's not expected for officers to be very good at sewing!
0:37:50 > 0:37:56Proof's in the pudding - it was a good effort, but I'll do it for him, no problem, yeah.
0:37:58 > 0:38:01I can hear you in the corridor!
0:38:03 > 0:38:07Tomorrow, the team depart for the ice.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14It's their last chance to enjoy a proper meal.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23OK, video diary, erm, Harry Wales...
0:38:26 > 0:38:29Can't wait to get on the ice with these guys.
0:38:30 > 0:38:34Just get to spend some time with them in a very special place.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39So, I can't wait to see it, and then I'll be very sad to leave them.
0:38:41 > 0:38:45They're not just doing it for themselves, they're doing it for all their mates
0:38:45 > 0:38:48and their comrades and everybody else in the British Forces,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51who, you know, have given the ultimate sacrifice.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56I hope everything goes according to plan, and they get to the end,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59and there's tears and hugs and all that sort of stuff.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03So, good on them. Good luck, guys, really good luck.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09It's very hard to be serious with you, because you're always laughing,
0:39:09 > 0:39:11but I mean it from the bottom of my heart -
0:39:11 > 0:39:13best of luck.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Signing off. If I can find the right button.
0:39:20 > 0:39:24The next morning, there's a nasty surprise.
0:39:24 > 0:39:30Overnight, an Arctic storm has blown in and the team's departure is delayed.
0:39:32 > 0:39:37The jet meant to fly them to Barneo, the Russian ice station, is grounded.
0:39:37 > 0:39:41For four days, all they can do is kill time.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Yeah, we'll do that tonight.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53That's all right, we suddenly thought that was a bad idea.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00On the back of my diary, I've got all the dates, how long we're here.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05I've crossed off a heck of a lot! We haven't taken one step yet!
0:40:12 > 0:40:14And then...
0:40:14 > 0:40:16Good news or bad news? Bad news?
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- Yep.- It's minus 42 out there.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21- Nice, nice.- Good news?
0:40:21 > 0:40:23- Yep.- Finally...
0:40:23 > 0:40:26- green light.- Get it on, get it on!
0:40:29 > 0:40:35We're taking the pulks out tonight at six, and then we will fly tomorrow afternoon.
0:40:35 > 0:40:36Finally going!
0:40:36 > 0:40:39That's good news, that's what that is. Let's get going.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43Good news.
0:40:44 > 0:40:48Is that good dancing or bad dancing?
0:40:48 > 0:40:49Erm, we're going tomorrow.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52- What's tomorrow, Sunday?- Yeah.- Cool.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54- Is that coming?- Yeah. - HE LAUGHS
0:40:54 > 0:40:57That is coming? That's coming?!
0:40:59 > 0:41:06After 13 months of planning, preparation and training, the team are on their way.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08Walls don't move with you!
0:41:08 > 0:41:11THEY LAUGH
0:41:21 > 0:41:25'It's unbelievable really, that I've been given this opportunity to do it.
0:41:25 > 0:41:29'Stevie, from the Rhondda Valley, it's unheard of.
0:41:30 > 0:41:36'I think this is like, sort of, the end of a two-year part of my life.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39'It's taken a massive chunk out of my life, this injury.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43'It's like, sort of, an end goal,
0:41:43 > 0:41:45'me going to the North Pole.
0:41:48 > 0:41:53'Before I went to Afghan, I had several major fears - one, to lose a bloke, and that happened.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56'It's something that'll be with me until the day I die.
0:41:58 > 0:42:02'Two, I didn't want anyone to die in our regiment - we lost six guys.
0:42:02 > 0:42:06'Three, quite selfishly, I didn't want to get injured myself,
0:42:06 > 0:42:09'I didn't want to lose legs - and that happened.
0:42:09 > 0:42:15'It's a fault of the young - you feel completely immortal until you have a bit of a knock.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19'It's going to be hard, it's going to be difficult.
0:42:19 > 0:42:24'All you can do is train, seek advice from those that have done it.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28'And then prepare yourselves as best you can -
0:42:28 > 0:42:33'in our case, adapt and improvise to accommodate our injuries.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35'I think we've done that.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39'Life isn't easy.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43'It takes me always a couple of minutes extra to do something now.
0:42:43 > 0:42:48'And then when you're on your own, you need a bit of help, but there's no-one to help you.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52'There is days when I'm angry and fed up, yes.
0:42:52 > 0:42:54'You just need to put your pride away,
0:42:54 > 0:42:57'you just need to let someone help you.
0:42:57 > 0:43:02'I think it's great, I think it's going to be life-changing, to be honest.
0:43:04 > 0:43:08- HARRY:- 'My only concern is the mentality within the British Forces
0:43:08 > 0:43:10'is, if you're feeling yourself becoming man down,
0:43:10 > 0:43:14'then you don't say anything, cos you're so mentally willing to be at the front.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16'You will eventually just drop.
0:43:16 > 0:43:21'But obviously in these environments, you can't do that, you have to be honest with yourself.
0:43:21 > 0:43:25'Gone are the days of trying to be Mr Tough Guy - if you have a problem, a niggle,
0:43:25 > 0:43:29'you talk about it and you share the pain, because otherwise you're never going to survive,
0:43:29 > 0:43:31'simple as that.'
0:43:35 > 0:43:37It's 4.45am.
0:43:37 > 0:43:44The team and patron Prince Harry have just landed at their start point on the frozen Arctic Sea -
0:43:44 > 0:43:48160 miles from the North Pole.
0:43:49 > 0:43:53It's the most amazing landscape I've ever seen in my life
0:43:53 > 0:43:57and I think we're about to feel pretty isolated when the helicopter goes.
0:44:01 > 0:44:02Once this chopper leaves,
0:44:02 > 0:44:10we are officially the most northern people for 2011.
0:44:10 > 0:44:12- Aren't we, Dags?- We are.
0:44:12 > 0:44:15We are the most northerly people on Earth at the moment.
0:44:15 > 0:44:19Early, very, very early.
0:44:20 > 0:44:22Bit of peace and quiet.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24Been a while. It's a nice place.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27It's quite far to come for some peace and quiet, though.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30I'm not going to lie. It's pretty far away. But, hey,
0:44:30 > 0:44:33amongst friends. What could possibly go wrong?
0:44:35 > 0:44:39The plan is to rest a few hours before setting off at midday.
0:44:39 > 0:44:46Guy and Martin are sharing a tent with expedition founder, Simon Daglish.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48OK, you're in, Guy.
0:44:48 > 0:44:53While Jaco and Steve are with expedition founder, Ed Parker.
0:44:55 > 0:44:59Prince Harry's in with the guide, Inge Solheim.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02How to make a tent in under five minutes.
0:45:10 > 0:45:17Tents pitched, next it's melting snow for water, and that means lighting their stoves.
0:45:23 > 0:45:28That would be good - day one, within the first hour...
0:45:28 > 0:45:30Fooh! Eyebrows gone.
0:45:30 > 0:45:32Now we're good.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34Cooking on gas.
0:45:34 > 0:45:38It's one of those things if you get wrong in a tent like this,
0:45:38 > 0:45:41then you spend about a minute standing around
0:45:41 > 0:45:44with a giant hand warmer and then a few days without a tent.
0:45:46 > 0:45:47It's really that simple.
0:45:50 > 0:45:53The team go to sleep.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56Bye.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08When they wake up,
0:46:08 > 0:46:14they spend two hours rehydrating their rations and making water for the day ahead.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20It's actually quite mild today.
0:46:20 > 0:46:24- It's a bit windy.- It's minus seven in here.- Yeah, a cosy minus seven.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27It's all running like clockwork.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29How was your first night on the Arctic Ocean?
0:46:29 > 0:46:32It was good. Do you want me to wipe that?
0:46:35 > 0:46:40That better? It was good. It was really toasty warm.
0:46:40 > 0:46:44I wasn't cold once. Both of us were snoring our heads off,
0:46:44 > 0:46:48and I woke up satisfied that I've had enough sleep.
0:46:49 > 0:46:52You seem to get on well with the guys.
0:46:52 > 0:46:55As far as I am concerned, I'm one of the lads. I probably have
0:46:55 > 0:46:59three different lives. One's my military life, one's my private life
0:46:59 > 0:47:01and one's the sort of the public stuff.
0:47:01 > 0:47:05It all intertwines with each other, but, you know,
0:47:05 > 0:47:09me as a military man is probably my number one favourite
0:47:09 > 0:47:13because you get to spend time with people like this.
0:47:13 > 0:47:15It is very special.
0:47:20 > 0:47:27They set off at 1.26, heading across the frozen Arctic sea.
0:47:27 > 0:47:31This is rather unique.
0:47:31 > 0:47:32It's barren,
0:47:32 > 0:47:35it's oppressive, it's unforgiving.
0:47:37 > 0:47:39It's quite surreal.
0:47:42 > 0:47:47The team have 160 miles of icy wilderness ahead of them.
0:47:47 > 0:47:50They need to average ten miles a day
0:47:50 > 0:47:55to arrive at the geographic North Pole, the top of the world,
0:47:55 > 0:47:57in 16 days' time.
0:48:02 > 0:48:07Despite its raw beauty, this is a dangerous place.
0:48:07 > 0:48:11The weather can turn in seconds, the ice can split apart
0:48:11 > 0:48:15and the extreme cold takes a severe toll.
0:48:18 > 0:48:21Within 30 minutes, it's claiming its first victim.
0:48:26 > 0:48:33- Yeah, your chin here has already been frostbitten.- Yeah.
0:48:33 > 0:48:35See, it's white.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38The hood should cover you
0:48:38 > 0:48:41so it protects your face.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44You guys have to watch out for each other.
0:48:44 > 0:48:50When skin freezes, the first stage of damage is frost nip.
0:48:50 > 0:48:54Next it's frostbite, which can lead to amputation.
0:48:54 > 0:48:59Wind-chill just caused a little bit of frost nip on my cheek here,
0:48:59 > 0:49:03so I'm just trying to stay out of the wind, try to keep that covered.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06Getting a cold injury is serious.
0:49:06 > 0:49:11Jaco could be evacuated off the ice if it gets worse.
0:49:11 > 0:49:17With his face protected, the team take a pit stop.
0:49:17 > 0:49:21First things first, warm kit, essential.
0:49:23 > 0:49:28But for one-armed Jaco, it's all a struggle.
0:49:28 > 0:49:30- Do you need a hand?- Yeah.
0:49:30 > 0:49:33- Where's your food?- It's in there.
0:49:33 > 0:49:34In the harsh climate,
0:49:34 > 0:49:38the team will burn up to 8,000 calories each per day.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41Keeping the body fuelled is essential.
0:49:43 > 0:49:46I've got some jelly beans in there, which will taste like old pebbles,
0:49:46 > 0:49:50cos they're so frozen and they pretty much take your teeth out.
0:49:50 > 0:49:55Ahh!
0:49:55 > 0:49:57Once in their polar rhythm,
0:49:57 > 0:50:01they'll ski for two hours and break for ten minutes, all day long.
0:50:03 > 0:50:08But on day one, the routine is far from set.
0:50:08 > 0:50:14The progress is really slow. It's difficult to move around. The weight of the pulks,
0:50:14 > 0:50:17the terrain we're moving, it's quite difficult.
0:50:22 > 0:50:28Where the ice breaks up, it forms mini mountain ranges called pressure ridges.
0:50:28 > 0:50:32Sometimes it's one metre high and sometimes it's six metres high.
0:50:35 > 0:50:41They're a messy mix of hard-as-concrete lumps of ice, all piled on top of each other.
0:50:41 > 0:50:43Skis are coming off.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45We're crossing something big.
0:50:49 > 0:50:54For Guy, who lost his leg in a rocket-propelled grenade attack
0:50:54 > 0:50:57in Afghanistan, it's hard negotiating the rough stuff.
0:50:57 > 0:50:59It's difficult terrain.
0:50:59 > 0:51:05Getting the pulk over some of the big bits is hard work. We've just got to deal with it.
0:51:05 > 0:51:10For Martin and Jaco, with missing or damaged arms, getting over the ice boulders is equally challenging.
0:51:10 > 0:51:13Ah! Ha-ha!
0:51:13 > 0:51:19Steve needs to be extra careful with his fragile back.
0:51:19 > 0:51:23Having Harry along is a great help.
0:51:23 > 0:51:25Everybody's helping everybody. It's the only way.
0:51:28 > 0:51:32The team have no choice but to scramble over the pressure ridges,
0:51:32 > 0:51:36hauling their heavy pulks all the way.
0:51:38 > 0:51:41Wow!
0:51:41 > 0:51:44- Is that the good leg or the bad leg? - It's not the bad leg.
0:51:44 > 0:51:49You can easily get your foot trapped and the pulk can run over it and break your leg.
0:51:51 > 0:51:54Pulling it over the rubble is difficult.
0:51:54 > 0:51:58Because of the sheer weight, you've got to really drive into it
0:51:58 > 0:52:01and then you risk falling over, front first.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10If you're looking back through there, it's just mental.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15But then, this way, it looks flat.
0:52:15 > 0:52:18Probably done about two and a bit miles, maybe?
0:52:21 > 0:52:24The team keep going,
0:52:24 > 0:52:27slowly heading north.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33It's opened my eyes to a whole new world.
0:52:33 > 0:52:39I presume after a few days it probably kicks in and you get into a rhythm,
0:52:39 > 0:52:45but at the moment, you can't get into a rhythm because of this stuff, but it's like this the whole way.
0:52:47 > 0:52:51Pitching camp at 7.30, the first day has been a shock.
0:52:51 > 0:52:55They've covered 6.5 miles,
0:52:55 > 0:52:57but should have done ten.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00It's not a great start.
0:53:07 > 0:53:12I don't think there's anybody here who couldn't admit that today caught them slightly off guard.
0:53:12 > 0:53:13They'd be lying.
0:53:13 > 0:53:17But no, it was good, you know, day one of exercise.
0:53:19 > 0:53:22Takes time getting into things.
0:53:22 > 0:53:25And my legs now - ow!
0:53:25 > 0:53:29The most important thing is morale.
0:53:29 > 0:53:33And today, a few of the guys got a bit down,
0:53:33 > 0:53:37a bit, "This is quite full-on, we're going to have to do this for three weeks."
0:53:37 > 0:53:39But full respect to these guys,
0:53:39 > 0:53:42and full respect to anybody who does this.
0:53:52 > 0:53:55A morning routine is getting established.
0:53:59 > 0:54:05But working with just one hand is slow, especially in a thick mitten.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29Last to be packed away are the tents,
0:54:29 > 0:54:32the team's only shelter on the ice.
0:54:33 > 0:54:39I've got some sweet tunes playing in my ear.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41So...
0:54:43 > 0:54:47..excuse me if I start bopping.
0:54:47 > 0:54:48Ah!
0:54:50 > 0:54:54The team must improve on yesterday's performance if they hope to reach the Pole.
0:55:00 > 0:55:04Day two. We did 10 kilometres yesterday.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07Today we need to do at least 15.
0:55:08 > 0:55:10Not very likely.
0:55:10 > 0:55:13It's all about trying to get into the rhythm.
0:55:18 > 0:55:22I wish my brother was here, actually. I really wish he was here.
0:55:22 > 0:55:25He'd quite enjoy this.
0:55:25 > 0:55:28As in, just for a couple of days!
0:55:28 > 0:55:33It feels a little bit cheating, but Willie would love this.
0:55:35 > 0:55:38"Happy stag weekend! We're walking to the North Pole!"
0:55:42 > 0:55:46Some people find it very strange that people always want to go back to Afghanistan.
0:55:46 > 0:55:48I understand it now.
0:55:50 > 0:55:54The hardest thing for these guys is being told that they can't work any more.
0:55:54 > 0:55:59The hardest thing for Martin is the fact that he can't go into battle any more,
0:55:59 > 0:56:04be with his mates, do what he loves, you know?
0:56:07 > 0:56:12The team has started day two well, but up here, nothing's guaranteed.
0:56:22 > 0:56:26The ice rubble here is relatively challenging.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32The precariously thin ice is giving way under Inge's skis.
0:56:32 > 0:56:33It's quite fresh.
0:56:33 > 0:56:37Probably formed yesterday, and it still hasn't frozen up properly.
0:56:37 > 0:56:39They can't risk crossing it.
0:56:39 > 0:56:41Would that be better?
0:56:41 > 0:56:43That's the wrong way!
0:56:43 > 0:56:50The team have no choice but to head into another maze of boulders and pressure ridges.
0:57:05 > 0:57:10Crossing a mass of ice rubble, and it's quite hard work.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17It's all helping me, because it's impossible to clear on my own.
0:57:24 > 0:57:28This is the toughest test yet for the wounded soldiers.
0:57:37 > 0:57:39Right on the ribs!
0:57:39 > 0:57:41Ah-ha-ha! Ah!
0:57:44 > 0:57:48Over the next two hours, they cover less than a mile.
0:57:55 > 0:57:59Struggling to the end of the rubble field,
0:57:59 > 0:58:05only to face worse as they emerge onto more dangerously thin ice.
0:58:08 > 0:58:10This time, there's no option but to cross.
0:58:10 > 0:58:14The ice can just take the weight of one man
0:58:14 > 0:58:16and his 100-kilo pulk.
0:58:21 > 0:58:23But with each crossing, it's getting weaker.
0:58:27 > 0:58:29Steve sets off.
0:58:40 > 0:58:45For Martin, once again, balancing with one arm is tricky.
0:58:49 > 0:58:52He nearly ends up in the freezing Arctic Sea.
0:59:05 > 0:59:09Harry's the last man across.
0:59:18 > 0:59:21There's 2.5 miles of sea beneath him.
0:59:34 > 0:59:37The weakened ice just holds.
0:59:37 > 0:59:40Steve and I nearly just went straight through the ice!
0:59:40 > 0:59:44We'd have seen a bit more of the ocean than we originally hoped for.
0:59:46 > 0:59:48The team push on.
0:59:54 > 0:59:57The point of this is to raise awareness. That's how I feel.
0:59:57 > 1:00:00For these guys. They've been through hell.
1:00:00 > 1:00:02And they've come out the other side.
1:00:02 > 1:00:06And they are doing it for all the other servicemen and women.
1:00:07 > 1:00:11They're still coming back. Injured.
1:00:13 > 1:00:15I guess the support's getting better.
1:00:15 > 1:00:18But it still needs to be so much better.
1:00:32 > 1:00:37As they pitch camp, it's Harry's last night with the team.
1:00:40 > 1:00:42Today has just been fantastic.
1:00:42 > 1:00:45I couldn't have asked for better, as a final day.
1:00:45 > 1:00:47Part of me wants to say that I really want to stay.
1:00:47 > 1:00:51But I've got military commitments back home. It's not ideal.
1:00:51 > 1:00:52A small wedding to help out with.
1:00:52 > 1:00:57On top of that, without sounding like an idiot,
1:00:57 > 1:00:59I don't want to steal the limelight from these guys.
1:00:59 > 1:01:04I feel as though I've done my bit. I've been here, supported them,
1:01:04 > 1:01:06had a great laugh with them, but now it's up to them.
1:01:09 > 1:01:11It's Harry's final morning.
1:01:11 > 1:01:15The chopper's due to pick him up in the next hour. In the meantime,
1:01:15 > 1:01:18Guy and Martin have discovered a problem.
1:01:18 > 1:01:22Woke up this morning to a crack running through the middle of the tent. Not good.
1:01:22 > 1:01:25It brings it home that you're sitting on top of an ocean.
1:01:25 > 1:01:28Slip down that, you're not coming back.
1:01:28 > 1:01:30Strong ocean currents
1:01:30 > 1:01:34and powerful winds keep the ice in constant motion.
1:01:34 > 1:01:37It's this movement that creates pressure ridges
1:01:37 > 1:01:42and also rips the ice apart, forming open-water leads.
1:01:42 > 1:01:46But it's not just the polar ice that's affected.
1:01:46 > 1:01:49We got a text message on the satellite phone
1:01:49 > 1:01:51that the runway at Barneo had cracked.
1:01:51 > 1:01:54You can't land a plane on a cracked runway.
1:01:56 > 1:01:59Harry will have another day with the team.
1:01:59 > 1:02:02I've got to march with these boys today, and get picked up tonight.
1:02:12 > 1:02:15It is enjoyable.
1:02:15 > 1:02:21You look around and it's like nothing that I've never seen before in my life. It's pristine, clean,
1:02:21 > 1:02:26but, you know, it is hard going.
1:02:26 > 1:02:28My back started aching about two hours ago,
1:02:28 > 1:02:30so I've taken some painkillers.
1:02:31 > 1:02:34You know, I wanted a challenge, and I've got one!
1:02:37 > 1:02:40The relentless cold is affecting everyone.
1:02:40 > 1:02:42Just hold it lightly.
1:02:47 > 1:02:51Yeah, the blood circulation's back on this one.
1:02:51 > 1:02:54Put your hat on, it's cool. And your hood in the beginning,
1:02:54 > 1:02:58so you get really warm, and then you can take it off again.
1:02:58 > 1:03:04Er, frost nipping my ears. I think it was going that way.
1:03:04 > 1:03:07I was happily chatting to Jaco,
1:03:07 > 1:03:10talking about his arm, or lack of,
1:03:10 > 1:03:13having a bit of a banter with him, and then Inge comes running, going,
1:03:13 > 1:03:15"Your ears, your ears!"
1:03:15 > 1:03:18They went white quite quickly, but they're back, fine now.
1:03:18 > 1:03:21Have to do what I'm told, and put my hood up.
1:03:30 > 1:03:32Cool!
1:03:32 > 1:03:33We continue.
1:03:37 > 1:03:40They ski on to the end of the day.
1:03:54 > 1:03:59It's 7pm. The runway's fixed. The helicopter's on its way.
1:03:59 > 1:04:03For Harry, it's time to go back to his military duties.
1:04:03 > 1:04:07I'm going to sit down, my feet hurt. Without doubt, the best day.
1:04:07 > 1:04:11Blue sky, walking into the sun the majority of the day.
1:04:11 > 1:04:14Wind behind our backs. I mean, look at this place.
1:04:14 > 1:04:17It's beautiful. There's no place on earth like this.
1:04:17 > 1:04:19I feel like I'm in a snow globe,
1:04:19 > 1:04:22waiting for someone to shake it, hoping nobody will.
1:04:24 > 1:04:27I'd love to stay. I'm going to miss these guys a lot.
1:04:30 > 1:04:33After being part of the team for the past ten days,
1:04:33 > 1:04:36there are fond farewells.
1:04:36 > 1:04:42He's a cracking lad. He's brought a lot to the team. Just nice to have him for that time.
1:04:45 > 1:04:50- North Pole. Come on back, man, come on, Jaco. - Awesome. Awesome, yeah?
1:04:50 > 1:04:54He just gave us a last word of encouragement. He's a real nice bloke.
1:04:54 > 1:04:57Behave yourself, and hopefully you might grow a bit!
1:05:08 > 1:05:11It's surreal. He's third in line to the throne.
1:05:11 > 1:05:15But, ah, he's just been, you know, one of us. Another mate.
1:05:15 > 1:05:19- Cheers, guys. - I'll miss him. He's a good lad.
1:05:38 > 1:05:42Harry won't see the guys again until they get back to the UK.
1:05:47 > 1:05:49The team have covered just over 40 miles.
1:05:52 > 1:05:56But they still have 120 to go.
1:05:56 > 1:06:01The constant physical work and the cold are starting to take a toll.
1:06:01 > 1:06:03Especially on Jaco.
1:06:03 > 1:06:08I'm feeling a bit tired today. I had very bad sleep last night.
1:06:08 > 1:06:10So I'm struggling a bit today.
1:06:10 > 1:06:16I'm just putting a lot of fluids in, eating a lot of energy bars.
1:06:18 > 1:06:21When Jaco was blown up in 2009,
1:06:21 > 1:06:24he not only lost his left arm,
1:06:24 > 1:06:28he had extensive internal injuries and was lucky to survive.
1:06:28 > 1:06:31It's taken 15 operations to rebuild him.
1:06:31 > 1:06:36It's no wonder he's suffering in the Arctic.
1:06:36 > 1:06:38There are days when we'll all be struggling.
1:06:38 > 1:06:41Jaco had more weight than me, so I took a small bag off him.
1:06:41 > 1:06:45But he's just not quite as well as us at the moment.
1:06:48 > 1:06:50I need to do everything just with one hand.
1:06:50 > 1:06:55So Steve and Ed are absolute heroes in my eyes. They helped me a lot.
1:06:57 > 1:07:00I don't think I realised quite when we got out here
1:07:00 > 1:07:03how important that responsibility would become.
1:07:03 > 1:07:08I think Dags and I are feeling it, just more than the boys know.
1:07:08 > 1:07:12The team have crossed countless pressure ridges,
1:07:12 > 1:07:16but now they're facing their first open-water lead,
1:07:16 > 1:07:21where the ice breaks apart, revealing the freezing sea beneath.
1:07:21 > 1:07:23It's cutting right across their route to the Pole.
1:07:25 > 1:07:27So, the most important thing now is,
1:07:27 > 1:07:30don't put your ski pole into the slush...
1:07:40 > 1:07:46Basically, the ice, probably over two hours, has split apart.
1:07:46 > 1:07:48Take your time. Careful!
1:07:51 > 1:07:56- The danger is that, obviously, if you go in...- Take that rope away, so that you don't trip in it.
1:07:56 > 1:07:59..uh, then you're in deep trouble.
1:07:59 > 1:08:04It doesn't look very dangerous, but because it's so narrow,
1:08:04 > 1:08:06we don't want to get stuck in there.
1:08:06 > 1:08:08Because it'll be difficult to get you out again.
1:08:08 > 1:08:10So, ski pole,
1:08:10 > 1:08:14follow, put that ski over.
1:08:16 > 1:08:20If your pole goes in, it's going to pull you back in
1:08:20 > 1:08:23and you're out of your harness and you go to the bottom of the sea.
1:08:37 > 1:08:41This is only a small lead. The team makes it across.
1:08:46 > 1:08:48The next morning, Jaco's better
1:08:48 > 1:08:52and keen to protect the only part of his body not already scarred.
1:08:53 > 1:08:58I put some plaster on my nose and on my cheeks,
1:08:58 > 1:09:01just to prevent any form of frost nip.
1:09:02 > 1:09:08I probably look like a right idiot, but with so much scars all over my body,
1:09:08 > 1:09:13the face is probably the only place I haven't got a scar,
1:09:13 > 1:09:17so there needs to be one there, as well! Trying to protect it.
1:09:17 > 1:09:20Jaco's face may be covered up,
1:09:20 > 1:09:24but the unrelenting grind is getting to Steve's delicate back.
1:09:24 > 1:09:28One of those days where you think you're doing well,
1:09:28 > 1:09:32but it just comes back and lets you know it was there.
1:09:33 > 1:09:36Really, really hurting the last hour.
1:09:37 > 1:09:42Steve's back was broken when his vehicle was blown up in Afghanistan.
1:09:45 > 1:09:49I tried to get through with no painkillers, but I couldn't do it,
1:09:49 > 1:09:53so I'll just smash some painkillers into me now, have a stretch off,
1:09:53 > 1:09:57and just go for the rest of the day as best I can, really.
1:10:02 > 1:10:05Get me through the next couple of hours.
1:10:12 > 1:10:16Everyone's hurting in their own different way so you can't complain.
1:10:16 > 1:10:17Just get through the day as best you can.
1:10:17 > 1:10:22They put their heads down and soldier on.
1:10:27 > 1:10:30The team have crossed many pressure ridges.
1:10:30 > 1:10:35It's been a good day, and there's less than 100 miles to go.
1:10:38 > 1:10:43- COUGHING - Dear, oh dear. It's the end of day...
1:10:43 > 1:10:44Holy cow, end of day...
1:10:44 > 1:10:45Six?
1:10:45 > 1:10:50No, five, end of day five. We've had a good day,
1:10:50 > 1:10:55a really good day, actually, and we smashed in about 13½ miles,
1:10:55 > 1:10:57which gives us a bit more in the bank.
1:10:57 > 1:11:01It's a morale boost, covering the miles.
1:11:01 > 1:11:02Day six,
1:11:02 > 1:11:07and the guys are on top of their game, breaking camp in minutes.
1:11:07 > 1:11:12The team are getting into the Arctic rhythm
1:11:12 > 1:11:15but the constant physical work is getting to Guy.
1:11:15 > 1:11:18My leg's starting to rub quite a lot
1:11:18 > 1:11:20and, by the end of the day, it's really sore.
1:11:20 > 1:11:23I took off the socket last night and it was really bloody,
1:11:23 > 1:11:25which I've kept quiet, to be honest,
1:11:25 > 1:11:28because I am conscious that we need to push on.
1:11:30 > 1:11:33He lost his lower leg when an RPG
1:11:33 > 1:11:35hit the armoured vehicle he was commanding.
1:11:35 > 1:11:39I always know I've got about an hour left in it each day when it starts to get sore.
1:11:39 > 1:11:44I can put up with that, knowing it's another hour off another day.
1:11:48 > 1:11:52To be honest, as long as I have a breath in my body,
1:11:52 > 1:11:54I'm going to the North Pole.
1:11:57 > 1:12:00Expedition founder Simon Daglish is worried.
1:12:00 > 1:12:05I was just talking to Ed. Just a mild concern about Guy's leg.
1:12:05 > 1:12:09It looks a little bit sore, and we just need to make sure that drive and determination
1:12:09 > 1:12:13doesn't take over from actually leaving permanent damage.
1:12:16 > 1:12:20Later on, Guy's examining his stump after another long day.
1:12:20 > 1:12:25We've got a cream that we put on at night,
1:12:25 > 1:12:27it's just good for aches and pains.
1:12:27 > 1:12:30I'm just having a few rubs around the joint there.
1:12:30 > 1:12:33Any prominent part on the leg, it catches the prosthesis,
1:12:33 > 1:12:39and it's not really that bad, it's like any blister, but you've just got to manage it and look after it.
1:12:39 > 1:12:43To me, the worst-case scenario is the stump itself gets infected
1:12:43 > 1:12:48and I have to chop more off, which would be disastrous, as bad as it gets.
1:12:53 > 1:12:55Another day dawns over the Arctic.
1:12:55 > 1:12:59In just six days, they're nearly halfway.
1:12:59 > 1:13:01But there's still a long way to go.
1:13:06 > 1:13:10For the wounded soldiers, this trip is about more than getting to the Pole -
1:13:10 > 1:13:13it's also about their futures.
1:13:15 > 1:13:18Guy and Steve are staying in the Army,
1:13:18 > 1:13:21but Jaco and Martin are being medically discharged.
1:13:23 > 1:13:28Spent a fair bit of time thinking about what I'll do in a couple of months when I leave the Army.
1:13:28 > 1:13:32This is a good place to collect your thoughts and think about the future.
1:13:34 > 1:13:40Martin's Army career ended when he was shot through the right shoulder in Afghanistan in 2007.
1:13:42 > 1:13:45The thought of doing anything else is...
1:13:45 > 1:13:47It just doesn't cross your mind,
1:13:47 > 1:13:51until you take a hit, which means you can't do your job any more.
1:13:51 > 1:13:54I just prepare myself to go on
1:13:54 > 1:13:58and do whatever I'm going to do next, which is still unknown.
1:14:00 > 1:14:03In four years, he's had 13 operations
1:14:03 > 1:14:05to try and repair his arm.
1:14:07 > 1:14:12There's an intensified nerve pain because of the cold,
1:14:12 > 1:14:17and it's inflamed because I've banged it a fair few times.
1:14:17 > 1:14:19I'm not sure if I've bruised the bone
1:14:19 > 1:14:22or it's just the cold that's doing it.
1:14:22 > 1:14:24One nasty fall is all it takes.
1:14:24 > 1:14:28I've had a lot of falls, but luckily, so far,
1:14:28 > 1:14:30none of them have caused any major injuries.
1:14:32 > 1:14:34The soldiers are coping well
1:14:34 > 1:14:37but every day, the Arctic throws up more challenges.
1:14:37 > 1:14:42Slightly frustrating, we've just come across a huge water lead,
1:14:42 > 1:14:44by far the biggest we've found so far,
1:14:44 > 1:14:47so we're trying to find a way around it,
1:14:47 > 1:14:50whether we will or not, it's pretty big.
1:14:50 > 1:14:52These leads can extend for miles.
1:14:52 > 1:14:58The team head east, away from the Pole, losing valuable time.
1:15:02 > 1:15:05Eventually, they find a crossing point.
1:15:07 > 1:15:12Inge's plan is to use the pulks as floating pontoons
1:15:12 > 1:15:15to bridge the gap over the freezing sea.
1:15:15 > 1:15:19The water is between minus 1.5 and 2 degrees.
1:15:19 > 1:15:25It's the salination and the movement that keeps it relatively open.
1:15:25 > 1:15:28- What would happen if someone fell into that?- It would be very cold.
1:15:28 > 1:15:30- JACO:- Just a little bit hairy,
1:15:30 > 1:15:34especially for me and Martin, we have to balance with one hand.
1:15:34 > 1:15:37If we fall to our weak side,
1:15:37 > 1:15:40that's us in the water, so I might just get wet, you know.
1:15:42 > 1:15:43It takes a bit of time,
1:15:43 > 1:15:46but it breaks the day up and it's something different.
1:15:46 > 1:15:48Gets the heart racing, as well.
1:15:48 > 1:15:51Wait there, wait there, wait there.
1:16:00 > 1:16:04Yeah, it's a little bit hairy, but, um,
1:16:04 > 1:16:06but it's a bit of variety.
1:16:06 > 1:16:09Our only fear is that we don't meet too many of them,
1:16:09 > 1:16:11because it's very time-consuming.
1:16:11 > 1:16:14There's no way any of us want to fall in.
1:16:14 > 1:16:16All the pulks we pulled across,
1:16:16 > 1:16:19all the water on them is frozen instantly.
1:16:20 > 1:16:23The guys are safely over.
1:16:28 > 1:16:32Despite all the team have been through in this bleak landscape,
1:16:32 > 1:16:34they're in high spirits.
1:16:40 > 1:16:44Captain Hewitt here, diary day nine.
1:16:44 > 1:16:45Is it day nine today?
1:16:45 > 1:16:50All good. Martin did a stint in front, which was pretty frenetic.
1:16:50 > 1:16:52All after today...
1:16:54 > 1:16:59Dags is well, not as grumpy as usual today, which is nice, I think that's because the sun's out.
1:16:59 > 1:17:05- This is exactly what we've got to work with. Got to put up with this, day in, day out!- Hello, Miss Lady!
1:17:05 > 1:17:09Sergeant Young's in good humour. He remembered to salute me this morning, he doesn't always.
1:17:09 > 1:17:12All the days have merged into one, apparently.
1:17:12 > 1:17:15Oh, is it a pick-and-mix? Look.
1:17:15 > 1:17:19Look at the beauties down there. Mmm-mmm!
1:17:19 > 1:17:20Everything seems to be going their way.
1:17:20 > 1:17:23All in all, a good day.
1:17:36 > 1:17:40But the Arctic can catch you unawares.
1:17:47 > 1:17:50MAN CRIES OUT
1:18:01 > 1:18:06One of the expedition founders, Ed, has taken a fall.
1:18:06 > 1:18:09Put up the tent there - immediately.
1:18:09 > 1:18:11Inge's in charge.
1:18:11 > 1:18:13We need a tent.
1:18:13 > 1:18:17Until he knows how bad Ed is, he assumes the worst.
1:18:17 > 1:18:19- Get one of theirs.- OK.
1:18:19 > 1:18:22I think his ribs. I think so, I'm not sure.
1:18:22 > 1:18:25Have you got some foam mats?
1:18:28 > 1:18:30You OK?
1:18:30 > 1:18:32Can you describe what happened?
1:18:32 > 1:18:35I hit my back on the...
1:18:37 > 1:18:41When I heard him fall, I genuinely thought he'd broken his back.
1:18:41 > 1:18:46I heard the most almighty crack and was thinking,
1:18:46 > 1:18:51"Christ, he's going to be in a wheelchair all his life," and I thought, "That's it, game over."
1:18:52 > 1:18:54How is...how is the pain?
1:18:58 > 1:19:00Do you think it's your spine?
1:19:00 > 1:19:04- Yes, the spine, although I can feel my legs.- What?
1:19:14 > 1:19:19It makes you realise how quickly a trip like this can go wrong.
1:19:19 > 1:19:21Thought I'd lost you there for two seconds
1:19:21 > 1:19:24because you fainted and hit your head down there.
1:19:24 > 1:19:28It would have been a cruel, cruel blow if one of the guys
1:19:28 > 1:19:32who's put so much work into this project ended up unable to make it.
1:19:32 > 1:19:33You all right, Parks?
1:19:33 > 1:19:37- What happened?- I slipped and hit my back right on the edge.
1:19:37 > 1:19:40I had my pulk at the top of that little piece of snow
1:19:40 > 1:19:42and there's a slab of ice.
1:19:42 > 1:19:45The skis just went from under me and I fell backwards,
1:19:45 > 1:19:48and my back fell right on the edge of the ice.
1:19:48 > 1:19:53I had this shooting pain across my back
1:19:53 > 1:19:56and my first thought was... it's not very good.
1:19:56 > 1:19:59Luckily, this time, it looks like he went OK, but you never know.
1:19:59 > 1:20:03It just seems wrong, Inge now having to pull my sledge.
1:20:03 > 1:20:08We're not meant to be here, really, is the long and short of it.
1:20:08 > 1:20:11Humans don't live here for very good reasons,
1:20:11 > 1:20:14because it's uninhabitable, so we're here as guests.
1:20:14 > 1:20:17Should we somehow become detached from that pulk,
1:20:17 > 1:20:20which is our lives, we wouldn't survive.
1:20:22 > 1:20:27I was thinking that it's a little like what Steve encounters,
1:20:27 > 1:20:31then I realised I hadn't broken my back,
1:20:31 > 1:20:34it was just a tiny modicum of what he feels,
1:20:34 > 1:20:37which is really why I shut up fairly quickly
1:20:37 > 1:20:40and got back on to my pulk, but Steve has that every day.
1:20:45 > 1:20:51With Ed's fall fresh in their minds, the reality of the Arctic hits home.
1:20:53 > 1:20:58I didn't really go into this with the attitude that failure was an option.
1:20:59 > 1:21:03Any of us on our own would have really struggled with this,
1:21:03 > 1:21:07but together, we work well as a unit.
1:21:07 > 1:21:09They put their heads down and motor
1:21:09 > 1:21:13to get off the ice as quickly as possible.
1:21:13 > 1:21:16I feel about 90 years old today. Proper feeling it today.
1:21:16 > 1:21:20I think it was my body's way of rebelling, basically,
1:21:20 > 1:21:24and asking me to go back home to a nice warm room!
1:21:24 > 1:21:30The team have less than 40 miles to go, but that's still a gruelling three days' trek.
1:21:30 > 1:21:35We've got to keep going, got to keep going.
1:21:46 > 1:21:48It's 8:30am.
1:21:48 > 1:21:50The team's 12th day on the ice
1:21:50 > 1:21:52and it could be their last.
1:21:53 > 1:21:56They're only 10 miles from the North Pole.
1:21:56 > 1:22:00Very much an end-of-term feeling.
1:22:00 > 1:22:04I had a smile on my face when I woke up. I looked outside, absolutely beautiful day,
1:22:04 > 1:22:07a glorious day today, and we're just raring to go now.
1:22:07 > 1:22:10We're just doing the last final packing.
1:22:10 > 1:22:12It's been a long time coming,
1:22:12 > 1:22:16so eight hours from now we'll be on the Pole.
1:22:26 > 1:22:31Yeah, I suppose when we first were interviewed
1:22:31 > 1:22:33and started looking into doing this,
1:22:33 > 1:22:37I don't think I ever thought we'd get this far so easily.
1:22:37 > 1:22:40I just count myself lucky to be a part of it.
1:22:44 > 1:22:48It's been a wonderful experience, absolutely great.
1:22:53 > 1:22:57For myself, it's been a 20-month period of my life,
1:22:57 > 1:22:59at times quite a dark period,
1:22:59 > 1:23:02and it's a good way of putting it all behind me.
1:23:06 > 1:23:09For me it's been about demonstrating that,
1:23:09 > 1:23:13if you're willing to adapt and you're able to adapt post-injury,
1:23:13 > 1:23:16you can go on and do some great stuff.
1:23:20 > 1:23:23From here, 299 metres.
1:23:26 > 1:23:29If anyone were ever to say to me, "Was it easy?"
1:23:29 > 1:23:32The answer is, definitely no, it wasn't.
1:23:34 > 1:23:38I think what these four soldiers have achieved is amazing.
1:23:39 > 1:23:43Their determination, sometimes their bloody determination,
1:23:43 > 1:23:45in getting here is incredible.
1:23:47 > 1:23:52And, frankly, something I think will remain with us for the rest of our lives.
1:23:59 > 1:24:0023 metres!
1:24:09 > 1:24:11We're here.
1:24:11 > 1:24:13Congratulations, guys.
1:24:13 > 1:24:15CHEERING
1:24:17 > 1:24:20- Job done, Parks.- Job done!
1:24:20 > 1:24:23- Mate, well done. - Well done.- Good effort, mate.
1:24:24 > 1:24:26Good man. Well done, yeah?
1:24:30 > 1:24:31Can't say, really.
1:24:42 > 1:24:46Two years, and we've made it.
1:24:47 > 1:24:49Amazing. Well, WE haven't made it.
1:24:49 > 1:24:52These guys have made it. That's amazing, amazing.
1:24:52 > 1:24:56- Thank you. - Thank you. It was a great trip.
1:24:56 > 1:24:58- Gob.- Steve Boy!
1:24:58 > 1:25:00Pleasure as always, mate!
1:25:00 > 1:25:03Lovely. Give me one of those - pow! Boys!
1:25:06 > 1:25:09Incredible - what an amazing bunch of guys.
1:25:09 > 1:25:11What an amazing achievement.
1:25:13 > 1:25:16Incredible. Can't say any more.
1:25:16 > 1:25:18CHEERING
1:25:20 > 1:25:23Faster! Go, go, go!
1:25:25 > 1:25:26Fantastic moment.
1:25:27 > 1:25:30We've done it well, we've done it fast,
1:25:30 > 1:25:34and their injuries are exactly how they were when we left,
1:25:34 > 1:25:36so it's a huge, huge success,
1:25:36 > 1:25:40and I'm just as pleased as punch.
1:25:40 > 1:25:44Awesome. Can't believe we're here, can't believe we're here.
1:25:44 > 1:25:46I claim this bit of sea for Wales!
1:25:49 > 1:25:53It's been a hard old slog, and I'm just glad we're all here as a team, awesome.
1:25:58 > 1:26:01I always thought we'd make it, but just wasn't sure of the time
1:26:01 > 1:26:05or what state we'd be in when we got here.
1:26:05 > 1:26:08It's a good place to be right now, it really is.
1:26:08 > 1:26:12It's been hard, emotional, fun, absolutely everything in it.
1:26:12 > 1:26:15I'm actually quite a bit shaky, so it's time for celebrations.
1:26:15 > 1:26:17Time to be happy.
1:26:18 > 1:26:20We've done it.
1:26:20 > 1:26:23Someone said to me directly, "You won't do it."
1:26:23 > 1:26:28And to those, I'd simply say that I'm disabled, I'm standing on the geographic North Pole,
1:26:28 > 1:26:33I've walked hundreds of kilometres unsupported to get here with this team.
1:26:35 > 1:26:37Very special moment, mate.
1:26:38 > 1:26:40I'm going to miss this.
1:26:41 > 1:26:45And now I think I'm going to go somewhere hot. With a beach.
1:26:52 > 1:26:54What they've done is absolutely fantastic.
1:26:54 > 1:26:58They should have probably tried to make it look a bit harder, I think,
1:26:58 > 1:27:01because to do this trip in 13 days or something, 4 days early,
1:27:01 > 1:27:04it's incredible, really, really is incredible.
1:27:05 > 1:27:11Five days later, and the Walking With The Wounded team are finally home in the UK.
1:27:20 > 1:27:25They've all been to the edge of life and have returned,
1:27:25 > 1:27:27rebuilt and rehabilitated.
1:27:27 > 1:27:31Hugely proud of them. I was gutted to have missed them
1:27:31 > 1:27:34and not to be able to stay with them, though I was exhausted at times.
1:27:34 > 1:27:37I feel as though I missed out on a trip.
1:27:37 > 1:27:43They have gone from the heat of Afghanistan to the freezing Arctic.
1:27:43 > 1:27:47Everyone keeps throwing that word "inspirational" around,
1:27:47 > 1:27:50but I think at the end of the day, what they've done
1:27:50 > 1:27:53is truly, truly inspirational, and now, hopefully,
1:27:53 > 1:27:56it'll show other people what you can do,
1:27:56 > 1:27:59despite, you know, missing an arm or a leg.
1:27:59 > 1:28:02They've not only conquered the North Pole,
1:28:02 > 1:28:05they've conquered their life-threatening injuries.
1:28:05 > 1:28:09They've proved to themselves and to everyone else that,
1:28:09 > 1:28:12no matter what life throws at you,
1:28:12 > 1:28:17hope, ambition and determination can help to overcome.
1:28:17 > 1:28:22Everyone should be very proud of them, and they should be proud of themselves.
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