Two Australian soldiers wounded in Afghanistan have told SBS how 'surreal' it was to reach their goal at the bottom of the earth.
Corporal Seamus Donaghue from Brisbane and Private Heath Jamieson from Sydney completed the two-week 335-kilometre trek, along with wounded soldiers from the UK, US and Canada, as part of an international expedition accompanied by Prince Harry.
Corporal Donaghue speaks to SBS's Biwa Kwan from the South Pole.
"It was a little bit surreal, I suppose. You've never really been there so you're not quite sure what to expect, so you're walking up to something you've never seen. I've never even seen any pictures of it, to be honest", Corporal Donaghue said."We were just sort of soaking it in. And just actually looking at the South Pole and realising that we were down the bottom of the earth. It was a good achievement, but at the same time I was more concentrating on the group and just really proud and privileged to be involved in such a good cause."
Prince Harry reaches South Pole
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Initially conceived as a race to the pole, the competition was abandoned because of concerns for the welfare of participants, who were all towing 75-kilogram equipment sledges. They finished as a single group.
The expedition has been organised by the British group Walking With the Wounded, with Australian partner charity Soldier On, created to care for wounded soldiers.
Soldier On chief executive John Bale said the Virgin Money South Pole Allied Challenge was an inspirational event.
"These men and women not only had to battle against the cold and the distance, they also had to compete with their physical and psychological wounds," he said in a statement.
"Our wounded personnel are impressive individuals, and given the opportunity to do so, will achieve things that few others could even begin to contemplate."
Mr Bale said participants travelled to Iceland, Colorado and Norway to prepare.
"Its after more than a year of preparation, months of training, a farewell with the Prime Minister in Sydney and two weeks of trekking that they have finally reached their goal," he said.
Corporal Donague said it was importanbt to show that people recovering from injury that there is life 'post-injury'.
"That you can go out there and continue to live your life and challenge yourself even though you may have been severely injured physically or mentally. I think that is extremely important."
"Especially with the guys who have been wounded and, I suppose, the public as well - to get them behind the cause and make sure these guys aren't forgotten."
