Preparing for a solo expedition through the unforgiving Siberian Arctic will be no small feat. The region's extreme conditions, from temperatures plunging to -70°C to the constant threat of unpredictable weather and wildlife, demand more than just physical endurance they will require a deep understanding of survival techniques and mental resilience. To equip myself with the necessary skills, I will turn to the experts at Jadat Adventures, a renowned Arctic survival training organisation run by former Royal Marines Toby Cowern and Sam Cox. This blog post will take you through the rigorous training process that will be essential for surviving one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth.

On a crisp November day, I found myself immersed in the picturesque landscapes of the South Coast of the UK, journeying 21 miles from Lulworth Cove to Swanage. This trek wasn't just a personal endeavor; it was a poignant contribution to the M4M March – a movement dedicated to raising awareness for men's mental health, championed by the valiant Mo Bros of Movember.
This venture served as my final bout of rigorous training for the year, a vital preparation for my upcoming 1400-mile expedition along the Rio Negro in early 2024. Laden with a 22kg rucksack, I took on the challenge with resilience and determination, completing the trek in a commendable 7.5 hours.

When it comes to testing my fitness and endurance, I've always sought out extreme challenges. These are the crucibles in which I push my limits, preparing myself for even greater adventures. This time, I decided to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks, a challenge that would not only test my physical strength but also allow me to support a cause close to my heart.
The Yorkshire Three Peaks is a renowned trekking challenge in Northern England. It involves summiting three of Yorkshire's highest peaks in a single day: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, covering a total distance of 24 miles. The terrain is rugged, the ascents are steep, and the descents are unforgiving. It's a true test of endurance, and I was ready to take it on.

Endurance events have a way of pushing us to our limits, testing our physical and mental strength in the most challenging conditions. Last weekend, I embarked on a grueling 30-mile endurance event in the picturesque but unforgiving landscapes of the South of England. With a full kit weighing 25kg and the unpredictable weather at play, this journey was not only a gauge of my current fitness level but also a testament to my determination and preparation for an upcoming expedition.

January, the coldest and most unforgiving month in Britain, isn't exactly the prime time for outdoor escapades. Yet, for me, it presented the perfect opportunity for a unique birthday celebration. Rather than the usual partying, I decided to test my limits and create unforgettable memories by attempting the legendary Fan Dance in the heart of Brecon Beacons National Park. And to make it even more special, I convinced my brother, a boxing world champion with no prior hill or rucking experience, to join me on this exhilarating journey.

That saying ‘can’t wait to get home and have a cuppa’ is no lie.
Be it a freshly brewed cup of tea, catching your favourite tv show or climbing into your own bed, as much as we can’t wait to go away, coming home to our creature comforts is a feeling you truly can not beat.
But for me, there was something else, my comfort was in being able to say ‘I did it. I proved you wrong’

People travelling to hostile regions to cover conflict and humanitarian crises, or to expose corruption and human rights violations, face numerous threats. Not only must they consider logistical issues and medical risks, but increasingly must prepare for the threats of intimidation, harassment and violence. This does not wholly focus on people working within journalism it extends to people who travel within regions defined as hostile.

Moreover, as the lines between journalist and citizen reporter become increasingly blurred with the more widespread adoption of social media and use of smartphones, even those not typically identifying as journalists can find themselves exposed to heightened risks. In particular, governments have resorted to comprehensive surveillance measures and means of intimidation in an attempt to thwart freedom of expression and undermine democracy.

Training in winter is never easy, but this year, the added complication of COVID has made getting out in the hills extra hard. Finally, this weekend, after months of delays and cancellations, myself and a friend ventured to Wales to get some training in.
Under UK guidelines, physical training like this is allowed if you gain permission and follow restrictions. So, I waited for the ‘go-ahead’, gathered a friend and headed out to camp in the Brecons for the night. The virus meant not only dates, times, and location of the trip were affected, but so were the number of people who could come, and which friends felt they were up for struggles and hardships of ruthless winter training. Despite the challenges, I was overjoyed to finally have the opportunity to be out in nature again, doing what I love most.

During these stay-at-home times, our 'normal' stress-busting routines are no longer obtainable. As new COVID-19 cases continued to spread rapidly in the UK and globally, we were requested to stay at home to stop the spread.

It is now 40 days until I set off on my 50 mile expedition of the Darien Gap and I wanted to share my feelings as the trip draws closer.
Dangers I will face my preparation I have taken part in.