BASINGSTOKE adventurer James Ketchell is in the final preparations for his next challenge but is also taking some time out to inspire youngsters along the way.
Last year James was declared the Guiness World Record holder for circumnavigating the globe solo in a gyrocopter, awarded the prestigious Royal Automobile Club’s Segrave Trophy and published his latest book It’s All Mental.
Next on the horizon is Greenland when James will be a member of a team skiing the 400 nautical miles across the country. Speaking of the adventure, James said: “We will carry everything including food, fuel and burners so the further we travel the lighter the load will become. The centre of Greenland is flat ice but around the edges, it is rugged and mountainous so the challenges will be quite different and at altitudes of between nine and ten thousand feet, the freezing temperatures alone will be a challenge.”
James’ road to success was not an easy one and he fought to overcome many obstacles including a debilitating motorcycle accident to become the determined and intrepid explorer that he is today. At the heart of what James does is inspiring others and he is spending the months preceding his Greenland trip visiting schools to share his story with children.
Just before Christmas, he gave a talk to Kempshott Infant School who were enthralled with his adventurous tales.
James explained: “Throughout November and December I have been visiting schools all over the UK sharing stories of fun and adventure. Barratt Homes have sponsored the visits which has enabled me to do it. I’m not only describing what it’s like to climb Mount Everest, and row across the Atlantic Ocean, I’m sharing things that I have learnt along the way: never be afraid; try new things; never give up and always treat people in a way that you would like to be treated. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there will always be someone willing to help you. Don’t be afraid to fail, that’s how you learn. All sorts of things that are valuable life lessons for young people.
I’m trying to demonstrate that they are no different to me, I’m just a bit older that’s all. Every one of them is very special and if they apply themselves and try hard, and listen to the values that I teach them, they too can follow their dreams.
I am also showing them all my Greenland equipment that I’ll be using, some of them dress up in the kit and by far the favourite part, is letting them sample the expedition food. The school tours will carry on until March.”
James promised to call Kempshott Infant School via satellite to share some news live from Greenland, an offer accepted by Head Teacher Nicola Potter.
Nicola shared: “The Year 2 children thoroughly enjoyed their visit from James and thought he was amazing! They loved hearing about all his adventures and a particular highlight was going inside the polar tent. The children had been learning about inspirational people making first flights through history, so to meet an inspirational person like James really brought their learning to life. Whilst James is on his next adventure, the children will be learning about the North and South Poles and they are really looking forward to tracking him and receiving a satellite phone call.”
James sets off to Greenland to ski 400 miles across the icecap from West to East on 3rd May, it will take the best part of thirty days. James shared: “The main mission is to take children on a virtual field trip, I’ll be doing live calls with schools from the ice cap and they will be following me virtually. The idea is to bring geography and adventure to life, in a time that has been a bit restrictive for young people.”
But not content with planning adventures for 2022, James is also looking ahead to 2024. James shared: “In 2024 my plan is to sail around the world. I will be taking young individuals from challenged backgrounds away, to give them an opportunity that they wouldn’t ordinarily get. The idea is that it helps them shoot off on the right trajectory and instill confidence in them to make a difference in their lives moving forward.
Additionally no human being has circumnavigated the globe via air, sea and land. I have completed two of them, and the sail would be the final circumnavigation for me. With the main mission of taking others away with me and the unique selling point that once I complete this it would be a world first for anyone to have completed an air, sea and land circumnavigation.
His ambition now is to use the motivation that took him around the world to inspire others: “We can all set ourselves inspirational goals and achieve them – the capability to succeed lies within.”
