Best of British South Pole: Manley's weekly missive

Dear Followers, Supporters, Enthusiasts and Ambassadors of Britain,

After the heady excitement of securing our first major cash sponsor (see last week's Blog) there was a danger that it may all slow down. But, oh no.

It gives me great delight to welcome a new member to the team in Dave McCormack.

I have known Dave for a few years as one of the Lymington crowd - jovial, optimistic, fit and focused. The sort of bloke that nothing is too much of a bother and happy to help out wherever he can. The sort of bloke who has the life attitude of making things happen; a do-er, a go getter and a full speed ahead kind of chap!

Dave is now on our reserve bench and has started his training with immediate effect. His first fitness assessment at the Centre for Health and Applied Sports Exercise Science at St Mary's University College, Twickenham is this Thursday - I am sure he will pass with flying colours, but... this is a vital part of the team selection, particularly with the science behind "lactate thresholds" - a measure of your endurance.

No sooner has Dave joined the team than the "revolving door" syndrome played its part with Charlie Hunter deciding that the pressure from his new exciting job would not allow him to take a full part in the preparation for our expedition and so compromise his ability to deliver with the team. He leaves us to focus on his new career. Good luck Charlie, it was a pleasure to have had you in the team. Thank you for your valuable input, your enthusiastic nature and your experience - you will always be a part of our supporter group and we will also help you wherever we can with your "Kayak of the North West Passage" expedition - Hurrah

Speak soon

Hurrah

Manley