What are some of the biggest obstacles you encounter as a Disabled person when travelling?
“The accessibility of buildings and attractions can be difficult to navigate, particularly in cities steeped in history and buildings built centuries ago when accessibility wasn’t a consideration. That said, I’ve seen so many ancient venues, including the Colosseum in Rome, make significant strides in making the site as accessible as possible.”
How do you find hotels and airlines around the world cater to your needs when travelling?
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have worked directly with the accessibility and inclusivity team at British Airways to help improve the customer experience for Disabled travellers with the airline. However, there is still (and will always be) room to further improve the customer experience and promote as much independence as possible when travelling. Promoting independence throughout the passenger/traveller journey is critical for the Disabled community, as is having confidence that we can travel without damage to our wheelchair or mobility aid.”
Daren Edwards. Photo By: Taylor Harford
This December, you’re attempting to make a new world record and complete the longest sit-ski expedition in the history of polar exploration. What made you choose this adventure?
“This adventure to ski to the South Pole has been a lifetime in the making. As a teenager, I dreamt of crossing the frozen continent and following in the legacy of the polar heroes. Now, as perhaps the most unlikely polar explorer, I could redefine what is possible for someone travelling by sit-ski with a high-level Spinal Cord Injury. This adventure is also an opportunity to work as a team with some of my closest friends, many of whom I’ve known since we climbed mountains together across the world.”
Tell us about what the expedition involves. What are the biggest challenges you are preparing to face?
“I will be attempting to ski 333 kilometres from 87 Degrees South to the South Pole at 90 Degrees South. As a team, we will battle through sub-zero temperatures, strong winds and weather systems before arriving at the South Pole in 20 days – that’s the aim, at least. Our expedition will be unsupported, meaning that we will receive no help or support from the outside world. We will have to rely on each other to overcome the odds and reach our destination.”
