Boobsled fundraises across Antarctica
by Jeni Bone on 24 Feb 2013
Boobsled training on Surfers Paradise SW
Despite the inclement weather, Gold Coast Vet and adventurer, Geoff Wilson took his unusual craft for a test run on Surfers Paradise before embarking on an Antarctic adventure in November, which he hopes will raise breast cancer awareness.
Called the 'boobsled' and weighing more than 180kg, the bright pink craft features a large pair of breasts which Wilson plans to haul across Antarctica for more than 60 days.
Travelling solo using skis and kites, Wilson hopes to raise $1 million for the McGrath Foundation. He has teamed up with journalist and two-time breast cancer survivor Kate Carlyle to promote the cause in the Pink Polar Expedition.
Geoff is no stranger to extremes, having completed crossings of the Sahara and Simpson Deserts and also the first kite crossing of the Torres Strait.
In support of friend and former radio colleague Kate, Geoff will once again push his body to the limit. The challenges of completing this journey solo and unassisted may be as tough as some of the challenges faced by those like Kate, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and must conquer their own solo trek.
The pair will unite to showcase an adventure that tests human capabilities and inspires human spirit. The record for the fastest solo and unsupported crossing of the Antarctic is 64 days but Mr Wilson is confident he can break that.
'All of Kate's courage and bravery through her journey will get me through mine,' he said, referring to his friend, who was just 31 when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer.
In January last year, less than three years after her initial diagnosis, she discovered another lump. The former journalist said what Wilson was attempting to do was no mean feat. 'I'm so incredibly humbled by what this man is attempting to do,' she said. 'We're both determined to make this about breast awareness so young women like me feel confident enough in their body to notice changes that might be occurring and seek out any medical attention they might need.'
To donate to the expedition visit www.pinkpolar.com.au
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