On Monday 24th April, polar explorer Alex Hibbert visited Francis Holland to talk to the Sixth Form about his arctic explorations.

Alex, who alongisde teammate George Bullard broke the World Record for the longest unsupported polar journey in 2008 at age 21, told the girls about his latest expedition, named ‘The Dark Ice Project’. The plan was to reach the North Pole, unsupported, entirely in the darkness of winter. When Alex and his team arrived in Greenland, however, adverse weather conditions prevented them from pursuing this challenge. Instead, he and his team concentrated on learning to drive sled dogs and integrating themselves with the local communities. As he talked, Alex handed round polar bear gloves and even a polar bear tooth – items that seem very far removed from North West London!

It was fascinating to hear about Alex’s adventures – we are very grateful to him for coming in to speak to us.