Sussex adventurer completes his Antarctic charity challenge
A community news update from your area
Submitted by Sadie Wigg
Josh Braid from Hurstpierpoint spent December at the South Pole to raise money for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity and Kidscape. Inspired by his great uncle's trip in 1961, he aimed to climb Mt Vinson and then pull a specially made rocking horse to the South Pole.
Josh, who works for Knight Frank, planned this challenge for about 10 years. He welcomed twin boys in 2022, one of whom was cared for in the special care baby unit, and the other who underwent an operation.
It was during this time that he saw first-hand the work that Rockinghorse did and wanted to give even more back to the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton. Kidscape is another charity that is close to his heart, as he was bullied at school, something he buried for over 25 years, but over the past few years, he has felt more confident being able to talk about his experience and help others.
Sponsored by Knight Frank, Dynamic Climate and London Metric, Josh faced challenges like severe altitude sickness and -38 degree temperatures but successfully reached the summit of Mt Vinson on Christmas Eve. The group then skied to the South Pole, covering around 20km a day.
Josh, pulling a Rockinghorse-branded rocking horse, completed this journey to support the charities. To learn more about Rockinghorse, visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk, and for Kidscape, check www.kidscape.org.uk.
Location: Hurstpierpoint , West Sussex
