Retford: Injury won’t stop courageous Corporal Bainbridge in gruelling North Pole race

Corporal Oliver Bainbridge, 27, sustained serious injuries after courageously shielding a wounded colleague during a improvised explosive device strike while serving in 2013.

But the former Elizabethan High School pupil is determined to achieve more than most people could possibly dream when he takes on the 110km race to compete for the Mamont Cup in blisteringly cold conditions.

Oliver said: “The trek is hugely exciting for me as it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that not many people will get to experience.”

“Despite the fact our team is wounded, we’re pretty fit and healthy because we’re soldiers.”

“ But the training is still difficult as the race will be incredibly tough even on us.”

“Temperatures can plummet to -50c, there’s the risk of deadly frostbite, and I know it will test us all to the limit both mentally and physically.”

“But at the end of the trek, we’ll be able to say we made it to the North Pole- and I don’t know many people who can say that!”

The wounded UK team is one of five global groups who will take part in the Mamont Cup, which takes place later in April and aims to highlight climate change and celebrate the feats of polar explorers.

Leading Team UK is the legendary polar explorer David Hempleman-Adams.

Details on the Mamont Cup and the Mamount Foundation can be found online at http://www.foundation-mamont.com/foundation/