HE HAS served his country in the Falklands, Northern Ireland and Sierra Leone. Now, former Royal Marines Commando Mick Peat is preparing to face polar bears and temperatures as low as -37C.
The 51-year-old will lead a team of former servicemen in a record-breaking attempt to cross 372 miles (600km) across Greenland in aid of Help for Heroes.
Mr Peat will be joined by former Special Forces soldiers and 27-year-old amputee Peter Bowker who lost part of his right leg when it was blown up by an IED in Afghanistan in 2008.
The 65 Degrees North challenge will be the world's first crossing of the Greenland ice cap by an amputee, without vehicle back-up.
Hull-born Mr Peat said he expects the 26-day trek to take its toll on all team members.
"It's going to be a very physically and mentally demanding challenge," he said.
"We have had to do a lot of ski and survival training to prepare for the journey.
"We will each be pulling packs weighing up to 300lbs and we will be carrying all of the food, clothing and equipment we'll need to get us through."
During 22 years of service, Mr Peat, who now lives in Norway, specialised in cold-weather warfare and has been helping Mr Bowker learn to ski.
"Peter had never been on skis before but his progress has been amazing – he's better than a lot of people I have seen who have two legs," he said.
"The whole group have come across to Norway for training in ski-based exercise and ski survival and they are due to return next month."
The 65 Degrees North team will set off on their demanding endeavour at the beginning of May.
Former EastEnders actor Ross Kemp, who has made documentaries following the plight of soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan, has become a patron for the group.
He has been one of thousands of people who have sent good luck messages to the team.
Mr Peat said: "We've had lots of messages from people who are really getting behind us and we have worked very hard to raise enough money ourselves to cover the cost of the trip.
"Help for Heroes is such an important charity and it has really helped to put the profile of the military in a positive light.
"I'm really glad that by taking part in this expedition, I can give something back for my many rewarding years of service.
"It is also a great honour to pay tribute to the servicemen who have sacrificed their lives and limbs in global wars."
The former commando started his long career at the age of 12 when he became a member of the Hull Cadets.
He attended the cadet academy in Spring Bank in the late-1970s until he joined the Army aged 16.
"I owe my entire career to my time with Hull cadets," said Mr Peat.
"The group was an inspiration to me, but it almost didn't happen. I only went along to that first meeting because a friend of mine said he was going. I have never looked back.
"This expedition is another big challenge for me but we are all raring to go."
Visit 65degreesnorth.co.uk to make a donation to the team.
