'Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve dreamed of this': Blackpool's Jordan Wylie MBE reaches the South Pole

The former frontline soldier, bestselling author, and star of Channel 4’s Hunted and Celebrity Hunted reached 90° South yesterday evening (Tuesday, December 16), after spending more than a month operating in Antarctica following his arrival in November.

42-year-old Jordan, who left his hometown of Layton aged 16 to join the army, began the expedition by exploring the Heritage Range, where he completed the first ascents of three previously unclimbed and unexplored mountain peaks — true acts of modern exploration in the coldest and windiest place on Earth.

Speaking after completeing the first part of his challenge, Jordan said: “To step onto their summits for the first time was humbling, brutal, emotional and beautiful in equal measure.

“But the real purpose behind every step is to help create more opportunities for young people back home. That’s what drives me. We need more role models for young people and I want to do my very best to show the next generation that anything is possible with belief and hard work”

Following this phase, he then joined a South Pole expedition team led by former SAS officer and renowned polar explorer Lou Rudd, skiing the final degree of latitude to the South Pole across the Antarctic plateau.

Speaking from the South Pole, Jordan said:“To reach 90 degrees latitude south after weeks embedded in such unforgiving Antarctic conditions is a huge achievement on a personal level.

“Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve dreamed of visiting the South Pole. I sincerely hope this journey inspires the next generation of young adventurers, showing them that true exploration is still out there and that if you have big dreams, you should protect them, chase them and never give up on them.

“The world is changing rapidly, and in a place like Antarctica you can see this first-hand. We must do everything we can to educate people and protect this last great wilderness before it’s too late.”

Jordan Wylie is the UK National Ambassador for Army Cadets, one of the country’s largest youth organisations, and the expedition forms part of his mission to raise £100,000 for the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK.

The funds will help provide life-changing opportunities through adventure, education, and outdoor experiences for young people from some of the most challenging backgrounds across the UK.

The expedition was fully supported by Dyno-Rod, the national plumbing and drainage franchise, who have worked closely with Jordan over the past 12 months delivering school visits, youth engagement programmes, and community initiatives across the UK to inspire young people through adventure and the outdoors.

Additional expedition partners included Bremont Watches, Huel, ADHD360, Birchman Group, Wainwrights Chemist, and The Dee Dee Trust.

More information about the expedition can be found at www.jordanwylie.org.