MP becomes Training Patron for British Antarctic Expedition 2011

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has recently been appointed as Training Patron for the 2011 British Antarctic Expedition (BAE). In his new role, Tim will be supporting the five person team in their preparations and extensive training programme, much of which will be based in Lake District.

The expedition, which will mark 100 years since the race between Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Roald Amundsen, will involve walking and kite sailing for 1,750km across ice shelves, glaciers and the Trans-Antarctic Mountains. The team, consisting of two women and three men, will be unsupported for the 60 day trip, which will hopefully take them to the South Pole for Christmas Day 2011.

Two of the team members, Claire Marritt and Duncan Cameron, are Ambleside residents, so there is great hope that the expedition's South Lakeland roots will contribute to Cumbria Tourism's efforts to establish the Lake District as the Adventure Capital of the UK. As Training Patron, Tim is hopeful that he can contribute to these and give the Lake District the coverage that it deserves.

Speaking this afternoon, Tim said: 'I felt honoured to be asked by the BAE team to be their Training Patron and to represent them at such a crucial part of their journey to the South Pole. I am also extremely pleased by the news that two members of the team are local residents, which I believe says a lot for the fantastic opportunities available in the Lake District. I wish them every success over the coming year and will be following their progress with great excitement.'

Claire Marritt, a BAE Team Member, said: 'Luckily, living in what is clearly the Adventure Capital of the UK, we are in the best place to train for this expedition. Building stamina and strength is key, fell walking, lake swimming, mountain biking at Grizedale and Whinlatter, kayaking on Windermere are just some of the key activities that are literally on our doorstep - Fairfeild Horseshoe is literally on our doorstep in Ambleside.

And the snow! The end of 2009 was great for snow but 2010 has not failed to deliver either and like nothing we have seen in the UK, snow was on the ground for over a month last year so cross country skiing over the ferry at ferry nab was possible and even alpine skiing at Yad Moss, which was only a 90 minute drive from our house and still in Cumbria!'