Sussex firefighter aims to make history as first to ski solo to the South Pole

With three daughters at home to inspire and a lifelong drive to push his limits, Neil Wray is determined to combine endurance, mental toughness, and a touch of history.

In November 2026 Neil will be attempting to become the first firefighter in the world to ski solo, unsupported, and unassisted to the South Pole – a journey of more than 700 miles in around 45 days.

He will be covering more than 25 km a day, pulling a 100kg pulk with ‘everything I need to survive’ – no resupplies and no assistance.

He added: “No shortcuts – just me, my skis, and my kit in one of the harshest environments on Earth.”

Training has already taken him across some of the world’s harshest environments.

“Things are going really well with the training,” Neil said.

"I’ve just come back from Norway, and I’ll be heading to Greenland at the end of the month.

"I’m fit and healthy – I know how to set up my tent, cook, use my stove, all the equipment – but it’s the day-in, day-out fatigue that tests you. That’s what I enjoy training for.

“I’ve always tried to keep fit, I run my own boxing club, and I used to compete. Now I’m in the fire service. I like to push myself and give myself a challenge.

"Since having kids, I haven’t tested myself as much as I feel I should, and I just want a really big challenge.”

The dream became a reality for Neil last year.

He explained: “I went on a polar guide course in Norway with a company called Shackleton. The instructor, Louis Rudd, an ex-special forces operative, inspired me. He’s done this challenge himself and encouraged me that I could do it too.”

While physical training is demanding, the mental challenge looms even larger.

“It’s going to cost an awful lot – around £100,000 for logistics, training, and equipment,” Neil said.

"I’m up to £40,000 now through self-funding and fundraising, but securing the rest is tough.”

Neil has been working hard to raise awareness and funds, organising a series of charity challenges throughout the year.

Earlier fundraising efforts have included a ladder carry challenge, a 50 km run in September (running 5 km every five hours until the distance was completed), a charity boxing show in Brighton and a 48-hour winter survival challenge, starting from home with nothing but boxer shorts and no food, water, or clothing. All funds raised supported The Fire Fighters Charity and help towards the cost of his polar expedition.

Unexpected lessons have emerged along the way.

“I’ve never really skied before,” Neil admitted. "This isn’t downhill skiing, it’s cross-country.”

Climbing mountains on skis was incredibly challenging, but crucial training, Nel said.

Family support has been both comforting and motivational.

“They love the idea, but they’re slightly worried,” Neil.

“They asked: ‘Dad, will you come back?’ I said of course I will.

“Although it will be tough for me and them being away from them for such a long time, I want to inspire them and I want them to have goals and challenges when they're older.

“I want to be a role model to them.”

The solo element of the expedition is central to his mission.

He said: “It's just about me – there's no excuses, there's no pointing the finger. There's no blaming anyone else if it wasn't happening – it's down to me.

"I want to know what my limits are mentally, not just physically.

"I don't know how it will go because I've never been on my own for that long.”

Setting a record as the first firefighter in the world to complete such a feat carries added significance.

“Firefighters are like-minded people,” Neil said.

"We enjoy challenges. Hopefully, this will inspire others to come up with their own crazy ideas. But to be the first firefighter to achieve this solo – it’s a historic goal, and I’m aiming to make it happen.”

To follow Neil’s journey, find him on Instagram via: @Wrayinthewild