Veterans Embark on 500km Arctic Expedition to Mark 20th Anniversary of Iraq Injury

Karl Hinett, a former soldier injured in Iraq, teams up with fellow veterans for a charitable Arctic ultra-marathon challenge.

Karl Hinett, a former soldier who sustained severe burns during a petrol bomb attack in Basra, Iraq, is set to undertake a formidable 500-kilometer Arctic expedition alongside three fellow veterans.

This endeavor, scheduled for March, commemorates the 20th anniversary of Hinett's life-altering injuries sustained while serving in the Staffordshire Regiment.

Hinett was injured in 2003 when a petrol bomb exploded against his warrior tank, resulting in burns covering 37% of his body.

Over five years, he underwent 16 surgeries to recover.

Now 38, he aims to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, through this expedition.

Joining Hinett in the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra will be celebrity veterans Jason Fox, Aldo Kane, and Brian Wood.

The trek across Swedish Lapland will involve traversing snow, ice-covered rivers, lakes, and forests over a span of 10 days.

The team has undergone Arctic training in Burträsk, northern Sweden, where they familiarized themselves with frigid conditions, undertaking activities such as skiing over frozen lakes and camping in heavy snow.

They also engaged in workshops focusing on nutrition and survival techniques essential for extreme environments.

Jason Fox, 48, a former UK Special Forces soldier and advocate for mental health within the veteran community, highlighted the challenges of the expedition.

Fox, who has previously accomplished feats such as trekking to the North Pole and rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, anticipates that this will be his most challenging undertaking due to the harsh environment and distance.

Aldo Kane, 47, a seasoned adventurer with a 10-year service background in the Royal Marines, echoed similar sentiments about the expedition's demands.

While he has extensive experience in hostile environments, the Arctic ultra is a new challenge for him.

Brian Wood, 44, a decorated military officer and author from Hampshire, expressed trepidation given his preference for warmer climates.

Nonetheless, he emphasized the importance of the mission to support veterans and bring attention to the charity.

The Arctic expedition serves not only as a personal milestone for Hinett but also as a mechanism for raising awareness and support for veterans struggling with physical injuries and mental health issues.

The proceeds will assist SSAFA in their ongoing efforts to aid former service members.