Jonny's next mission? To tackle loneliness

1ST DISABLED MAN TO REACH SOUTH POLE UNAIDED HAS SIGHTS ON NEW CHALLENGE

- ANDY PHILLIPS

A SOUTH Devon man who spent 46 days skiing solo and unsupported across the barren Antarctic tundra has said his next mission is in helping people tackle loneliness, having had a taste of what the 'raw power' of isolation can do.

Jonny Huntington, from Kingsbridge, became the first disabled person to reach the South Pole unaided, having covered 566 miles (911km) in an odyssey which was completed on Monday.

Having spent 48 hours 'solidly eating' as well as getting some much deserved rest, Mr Huntington spoke to The Herald on his remarkable feat and what lies next for him.

The 38-year-old has been vociferous in his desire for people to overcome their disadvantages and strive for their ambitions, having suffered a stroke 11 years ago which has left him paralysed from the neck down on his left side.

But he has also set himself the mammoth task of putting together some practical means of tackling the scourge of isolation and loneliness - having experienced it during parts of his solo expedition.

He said: "One of the things that this trip was about was that I wanted to encourage people to have an ambition despite their disadvantage, whether it be physical or socio-economic.

"But what this trip has also massively highlighted for me is the raw power of isolation and loneliness, as that is the reality of spending six days solo in the middle of nowhere in the middle of a hostile environment.

"I was incredibly lucky to be well supported by my friends and family, and as a result actually the trip went relatively smoothly. Although I was alone I never felt lonely.