By Jonny Irving

Last updated at 18:42, Friday, 22 March 2013

Two Cumbrian explorers have set off an expedition across Antarctica braving temperatures of -90 degrees and near permanent darkness.

From left, Spencer Smirl, Ian Prickett, Cumbrian Rob Lambert, Richmond Dykes and Cumbrian team leader Brian Newham

• Video: Brian Newham shows what conditions are like

The 2,400-mile expedition – dubbed the Coldest Journey – took a blow last month when its leader, legendary adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, had to pull out because he developed frostbite in two fingers due to a skiing accident and had to return to the UK for treatment.

The team of five – four Britons and a Canadian – are attempting to make history and be the first to cross Antarctica in winter.

They will travel from Crown Bay to Captain Scott’s base at McMurdo Sound, via the South Pole – a journey that will take six months.

They are also attempting to raise more than £6m for Seeing is Believing, a global charity committed to eliminating avoidable blindness in developing countries.

Brian Newham, of Uldale, near Caldbeck, has taken in leadership of the trip. He has considerable polar experience having spent more than 20 seasons in Antarctica, and having made nine visits to the Arctic. He said: “Having worked for the British Antarctic Survey as a field assistant and as a base commander, I feel very at home in Antarctica. Granted, I haven’t attempted to cross the continent during winter before, no-one has.

“We’ve got a fantastic team together here and we are determined to complete the Coldest Journey.

“We want to do Ran proud as well as do what we can to raise awareness for avoidable blindness through Seeing is Believing initiative.

“It’s going to be a long, hard, cold six months but we are fully prepared for the challenge ahead. The winter crossing of Antarctica is regarded as the last great polar challenge and the fact that we will be pushing the boundaries of human endeavour will keep driving us forwards.”

Throughout the trip the expedition team will undertake a number of scientific tasks providing data on different aspects of the Arctic environment.

Brian will be joined by Dr Rob Lambert, 39, of Great Asby in the Eden Valley, who will be the ice team doctor. He became involved in the trip a few months ago when the team’s former medic had to withdraw from the trip.

He said: “I’m expecting to treat a lot of blisters and athlete’s foot and if that was it then I’d be happy. In reality dehydration is a risk, as is frostbite. I’m not expecting the team to be too sick but obviously the cold temperatures will affect things.

“I’m extremely excited to be a part of such an amazing attempt with such a great team and to do something that has never been done before.”

The crossing started yesterday and will finish by September 21.

To follow the team’s progress go to www.thecoldestjourney.org

First published at 14:40, Friday, 22 March 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk