Young British Explorers first to attempt 180 Degree Challenge

Introduction

07 July 2007 - They've traversed thousands of miles of the fast melting polar ice cap, experienced the life threatening dangers of the freezing arctic ocean, spent a week in intensive care after a fall through the cap - and are now back on track...

Cycle © 180 Degrees

After a brief stop in New York at Live Earth where they shared their incredible story with the nation, 20 year old British lads, Rob and James are about to undertake the next leg of their pole-to-pole journey; cycling nearly 5,000 miles from New York City to Panama.

Young eco-explorers Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper are now two months into the first ever 180 Degree Challenge, a hazardous zero-emissions journey from the Geomagnetic North to the Magnetic South Pole. They are travelling by sled, ski, canoe, sail, cycle and foot on a journey of over 23,000 miles that will take an entire year.

The 20 year old green campaigners are undertaking their journey to highlight the impact of climate change - which they've already experienced firsthand, and to inspire a new generation to take action. Schoolteacher and mentor Mike Simpkin commented:

"Rob and James became the youngest Britons ever to climb Mount Everest the year – an achievement that reflects their belief that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. I believe they have the ability to inspire young people to take action – be it on climate change or on realising their dreams."

Rob and James worked to put together a support team before leaving the UK in March after a pep talk from sports superstar David Beckham. They started training in Greenland's sub-zero temperatures before starting their journey on 8^th April . Since then the boys have been filing daily reports on their journey and recording their observations of the visible impact of climate change along the way.

Speaking prior to departing New York Rob commented:"By undertaking this challenge we hope to show our own commitment to a zero-carbon future. We want our journey to inspire other young people to do their part for the environment as well as encouraging them to reach for their goals."

James went on to add: "We need to do more than just raise environmental awareness, we need to inspire people to make changes and to realise what they are capable of. Our 180 degrees website has a simple guide on how to take action for a zero-carbon future. 180 degrees is about turning energy trends around and about facing up to the challenge of climate change."

Rob and James need to raise £350,000 to complete this journey. Visitors to the website are invited to sponsor a mile of their journey and will receive a One Mile Closer sweatband in recognition of their contribution. Once the required funds are raised, additional monies will go to a selection of environmental charities to fund low and zero-carbon energy projects worldwide.

To find out more about 180 Degrees, please log on to www.180degrees.com where you'll find daily updates from Rob and James on their journey, information on the impacts of climate change, educational resources, a five-step guide to getting closer to a carbon neutral future and the opportunity to purchase a 180 degrees sweatband to help the project.

Ends

For further information, interviews by sat phone or ISDN, photography or comment please contact the 180 Degrees press office: Serena Thynne, Four Communications

T + 44 (0) 870 066 8746/ E: 180degrees@fourcommunications.com

Notes to editors

Distance: "22,000 miles", but actually in the end it will probably be closer to 23,200 miles.

Duration: Approx 10 months. Was due to begin on 24/03/07, however was delayed due to bad weather. Opted to travel to pole by dogsled, and arrived on 08/04/07.

Dates: Started at Geomagnetic North Pole on 08/04/07

                        Rob fell through ice 26/05/07

                        Rendezvoused with yacht 03/06/07

                        Due to arrive New York 03/07/07

                        Appear at Live Earth 07/07/07

                        Cycling to Panama arriving ~16/09/07

                        Sailing to Guayaquil arriving ~ 22/09/07

                        Cycling to Punta Arenas arriving ~ 10/12/07

                        Set sail for Magnetic South Pole ~ 15/12/07

                        Arrive at Magnetic South Pole ~ 25/01/08

                        Arrive Sydney ~ 10/02/08