Ian Hughes sets off on South Pole challenge to support veterans’ charity

Starting from the Ronne Ice Shelf in Antarctica on November 20, the 57-year-old former Royal Green Jackets officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Subsea Division at energy company, OEG, will ski 730 miles (911 km) across Antarctica.

During the two-month unsupported expedition, Ian will follow the Messner Route, one of the most remote and challenging routes to the South Pole, pulling a 115 kg sled for up to ten hours each day in temperatures dropping to -50°C. 

Speaking from Punta Arenas, Chile, before boarding his flight to Union Glacier, Ian said:

“From here, I fly out to Antarctica, before heading to the Ronne Ice Shelf. It’s just me and the pilot in a tiny plane. He drops me off, hopefully points me in the right direction, and then it’s just me, my compass, and 50 days of skiing south. It’s the purest form of adventure there is.

“Some people may say I’m crazy, but really, it’s just routine, eat, sleep, ski, repeat. You’ve got to keep your head in the game, even on the toughest days. Some days will be brutal, but you just have to remind yourself that tomorrow will be better.”

Ian will spend Christmas and New Year alone on the ice, battling extreme cold, isolation, and whiteouts across the Antarctic plateau. To lift his spirits during the harshest days, he’s packed a few comforts to keep him going.

Ian said:

“I’ve got a few podcasts, but not as many as I probably should have, and a tonne of music. I never remember the words to any song, so I’m hoping I’ll have a chance to learn. I've also downloaded a lot of films. Things I’ve watched 100 times and still absolutely love, like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘Forest Gump’.

“My plan is to take at least half a day off on Christmas Day, watch a couple of films and enjoy a small bottle of whiskey and some Kendall mint cake, which I was given by a man when I was out training pulling tyres.”

Food is another crucial part of Ian’s preparation. With limited supplies and no chance of fresh meals on the ice, he’s relying on calorie-dense snacks. 

Ian said:

“I’ll be eating about 5,000–6,000 calories a day, mostly freeze-dried food, but burning 7,000–8,000, so I’ll end up pretty slim. I gained about eight or nine kilos over the summer, but by the end, I’ll probably be back to my 18-year-old weight. I haven’t looked like that in years!”

The Always a Rifleman charity helps serving and former servicemen and their families, providing connection, friendship, and vital help for those living with PTSD, depression, and hidden conflict wounds. Last year, The Queen, Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles, became the first Patron of The Rifleman’s Association, which oversees the AARP.

Ian explains why the charity is so important.

“There has been a lot of conflict in the last 30 years, and many service people have come out with PTSD. I feel the system has failed people quite a lot and more should be done to help veterans. There are a lot of former servicemen on the streets, homeless, and they're obviously suffering.”

Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Baz Melia MBE said:

“What Ian Hughes is doing to raise awareness of veteran suicide is unrivalled.  He has already done more for the Always a Rifleman Programme than any other single individual.”

To stay connected during the expedition, Hughes will become one of the first explorers to use Starlink satellite internet in Antarctica, alongside backup Iridium satellite phones and Garmin trackers.

Ian said:

“If it works, amazing. If it doesn’t, I’m carrying a kilo and a half I didn’t really need.”

The expedition marks the penultimate leg of Hughes’s pursuit of the Explorers Grand Slam, climbing the highest peak on every continent plus skiing to both Poles, a feat achieved by fewer by 75 people worldwide. 

OEG has committed £10,000 in sponsorship and is hugely supportive of Ian’s expedition.

OEG CEO, John Heiton, said:

“We are immensely proud of Ian and full of admiration for his extraordinary challenge to raise funds for the veterans’ mental health charity, Always a Rifleman Programme. OEG is committed to building strong and lasting relationships with our local communities, and Ian’s challenge is testament to the resilience and determination that we value so highly across our organisation. We wish him luck every step of the way.”

Anyone who would like to support Ian’s mission can donate through Givewheel or via ian@antarctic-rifleman.com.