Adventurous schoolboy Stuart Bowler has been chosen from thousands of applicants to brave the elements and the environment in an amazing trip of a lifetime to the Arctic glaciers of northern Norway.
Stuart, a Year 12 pupil at Llandovery College, is one of a group of 30 pupils aged between 16-23 who will endure five weeks of the most gruelling tasks such as walking on glaciers and ice climbing in sub-zero temperatures.
All the while, they will carry their entire food rationing on their backs and set up camps for the night in the middle of nowhere.
Brave Stuart, from Creuddyn Bridge near Lampeter, says the British Schools Exploring Society trip is something he has aspired to all his young life.
“I love outdoor pursuits and have been involved in the Combined Cadet Force at Llandovery College since the earliest opportunity,” said Stuart.
“I shoot for my school and this year I shot for Wales at the Cadet Nationals at Bisley. I am also working towards my Duke of Edinburgh Gold and just want to do more and more.
“I am more excited rather than scared about going on this expedition.
It’s a great honour to be selected as the British Schools Exploring Society reputation is phenomenal and is really hard to get into.
The programme is aimed at developing skills such as responsibility, teamwork, leadership and overcoming fear.
“During the day I will be doing field work such as glaciology, geology, photography and environmental projects. During the night the temperatures will plummet to minus 10 and we will be sleeping in far-flung camps.”
Stuart, who would like to like to become an army helicopter pilot when he leaves school, says he is only too aware of the dangers of the Arctic – two years ago a 17-year-old Eton schoolboy was mauled to death by a polar bear on one of the BSES expeditions to a remote glacier near the Arctic Circle.
“I think the only thing that really worries me is falling down a big hole and not being able to get out again but that’s not very likely to happen. I know my mum is a worried but she is also proud and hugely supportive. We will just keep our wits about us and survive.”
Stuart is planning several events to help fund his trip including a sponsored 50-mile cycle. His dad, Chris Bowler, is also holding a raffle with a prize of a free Land Rover service.
Tickets are £20. If you would like to contribute or for more information, contact stuartb@cefnbys.wanadoo.co.uk You can follow Stuart on Facebook – search 'Stuarts British Exploring expedition to finnmark Norway'