First Minister of Wales wishes Richard good luck

Richard met with Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones before he left for Antarctica who wished him good luck with his solo expedition to the South Pole.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said; "What Richard has already achieved can only be described as awe-inspiring and now he is undertaking another incredible challenge.  By attempting to ski solo and unaided from Antarctica to the South Pole he is setting out once again to prove his almost superhuman fitness and ability to endure conditions the vast majority of us cannot even contemplate.”

He added; “I and the people of Wales wish him all the best on his latest adventure and I have no doubt he will make us all proud once again."

Richard’s meeting with the first minister will hopefully act as a good luck omen as the pair also met just before Richard left for his record setting 737 Challenge.

“I think I am going to have to make it a pre expedition ritual!” Richard stated.  “I also went to the Wales game on Saturday which is where Carwyn wished me good luck last time before I left for the 737 Challenge, so I’m racking up the pre expedition superstitions!  I am really grateful for his well wishes and support, it means a lot.”

Richard added; “The support I have received over the last two years from the Welsh public has been simply incredible.  I am very proud to be Welsh and proud to be representing Wales and Great Britain on every expedition I undertake.  The support of the public means so much to me and to have Carwyn’s backing is awesome.”

Richard leaves for Antarctica this evening.  He will fly to Punta Arenas in Chile where he will spend a few days making last minute preparations before landing on to the Arctic ice around the 11th December.

His latest expedition is to ski solo, unassisted and unsupported from Hercules Inlet on the Geographical coastline of Antarctica to the Geographic South Pole.  Richard’s route to the South Pole will be approximately 1,200km/745 miles.  You can follow his progress every step of the way by reading Richard’s Antarctica Blog here at richardparks.co.uk

Pic: Richard with the First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones & Assembly member for Newport West Rosemary Butler.