Due to a technical issue, the majority of newsletters did not reach their intended destination last week and so we must apologise for this and for repeating some of the news below for the benefit of those who missed out: also to the handful of our readers who did receive last Wednesday’s edition for any confusion in maybe thinking it is Groundhog Day already (Friday 2nd February).

This year’s Royal Marines’ 360th Birthday theme is reflected in much of the news we share this week; we honour and pay tribute to valued supporters and fundraisers; and it’s ‘last chance saloon’ for those looking to book one of the few remaining sought-after tickets for this year’s MFM!

This week we bring you some cold-weather news from both the Arctic and Antarctic that will surely shed some sunshine on the winter chill; and our fundraisers start to gather speed for 2024.

Former Royal Marines, Alan Chambers MBE and Dave Thomas reached the monumental 1,000 km point on their unassisted journey from Hercules Inlet to the geographic South Pole this weekend (Saturday 13th January 2024) meaning they now have ‘just’ 130 gruelling kilometres left to go on their 1,130km Mission Spiritus Antarctica expedition.

This week, it’s clear that our fabulously ever-creative and ambitious fundraisers have set off at a fast pace, with one on the brink of setting a new world record: a beneficiary is making precious memories – and the ever-popular Booty bears are back!

Last week, we reported they had covered 800km in some of the harshest conditions on the planet. Weather permitting, this weekend should see Mission Spiritus Antarctica’s awesome Alan Chambers and Dave Thomas reach the impressive 1,000km point in their gruelling attempt to ski unsupported to the South Pole, leaving them ‘only’ 130 km left to go!

Our first newsletter of 2024 is full of positivity including congratulations galore in recognising some magnificent achievements and endeavours; and an exciting heads-up for heavy metal fans!