Vet set to cross Antarctica with ‘boob-sled’

Geoff on the ice.Greencross Robina vet Geoff Wilson will swap the latex gloves for three inch-thick gauntlets when he sets off on a gruelling 3300 kilometre trek across Antarctica next month.

Geoff is attempting to become the first Australian to cross the Antarctic continent solo and unassisted – a journey which he plans to complete dragging a giant pink “boob sled” with the aim of encouraging women to be “breast aware”, and with the hope of raising $1 million for the McGrath Foundation.

The idea for the mission, dubbed the Pink Polar Expedition, came about when Wilson’s long-time friend, Kate Carlyle was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time at just 34 years old.

“I have known Katie for 15 years, since I started looking after her Jack Russell cross Pugs – and now that the Pink Polar Expedition has come about, I joke that I’ve been looking after her jugs for a very long time,” Wilson said.

On a serious note, Wilson said when he heard about Carlyle’s second diagnosis, he wanted to do something in her honour, for women all over Australia.

“My journey will be lonely and it will be tough, but it won’t be anywhere near as lonely and tough as the journey faced by those battling breast cancer,” he says.

“Thinking about the pain and suffering Katie has been through over the past four years is enough for me to put aside any physical discomfort I may feel, and make the crossing.

“That’s my inspiration. If Katie can do it, twice, and battle for as long as she has, surely I can spend a few solitary months trekking across some ice.”

Wilson said Carlyle is here today because she knew her body and was able to seek help when she noticed a change. That early detection saved her life, so the duo want to take that message to the masses in the hope of saving the lives of more young women.

“Dragging a set of bright pink boobs across the ice seems like a good way to get people to sit up and pay attention about the importance of being breast-aware,” Wilson said.

“And while the message is crucial, so is the fundraising. Our target of $1 million will go towards the McGrath Foundation and its efforts to encourage breast awareness and self-checking.

“It will also help the Foundation continue its mission in giving every Australian family facing breast cancer access to a McGrath Breast Care Nurse, no matter where they live, or what their financial situation.”

For more details or to donate to the Pink Polar Expedition, visit this website.

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