Parks' 737 Challenge

Richard Parks, the former Pontypridd, Wales and Barbarian flanker, was recently forced to retire from professional rugby due to a career ending shoulder injury. After a period of contemplation, he decided that he was going to confront his fears and unanswered questions by creating “The 737 Challenge”.

In December 2010 Richard will start the unique, multi discipline 737 Challenge. A gripping seven month expedition to climb the seven summits, which are the highest mountain on each of the world's continents, and venture the last two degrees to The South Pole and the last degree to The Geographic North Pole. All against a seven month clock!

If Richard is successful he will become the first person to have stood on the three Poles, namely The South Pole, The Geographic North Pole and the summit of Everest, in the same calendar year. And set a new bench mark in the climbing of the seven Summits.

7 summits, 3 poles, in 7 months. A world first.

As well as being a proud Welshman Richard is a proud Briton! To celebrate Great Britain and British-led expeditions, The 737 Challenge is honoured to be joined by the Great Britons Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Steve Williams and Jan Suart, a Marie Curie Nurse.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the world's greatest living explorer, will be climbing Mt. Vinson in Antarctica with Richard.

The double Olympic gold medal rower Steve Williams will accompany Richard to The Geographic North Pole and also join Richard on his ascent of Everest, the highest mountain on earth.

Marie Curie Cancer Care

The 737 Challenge is justly proud to be raising funds in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

As a celebration of the amazing work undertaken by all Marie Curie nurses and the by the Marie Curie Charity organisation, Richard will be joined by Jan Suart, a Marie Curie nurse for the climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro in Africa.

Many of us in life are faced with having to make new beginnings, to challenge ourselves, and to confront our deepest fears in order to grow and develop as human beings.

In conceiving, putting in to place and attempting this challenge, Richard has confronted head on his fears and the uncertainty that were facing him.

In the current economic climate and in the challenges of today's society, many will identify with the relevance of Richard's journey. It stands as a beacon of hope from which we can learn and gain information.

 Donation cheques made payable to:

‘Marie Curie Cancer Care’  C/O Karen Jones
737 Challenge
Marie Curie Hospice
Holme Tower
Bridgeman Road
Penarth
CF64 3YR
Wales

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