A GRANDFATHER who survived three forms of cancer has completed his incredible trek to the South Pole.
Patrick McIntosh said he felt like "a million dollars" on reaching his destination after travelling for 11 days in temperatures as low as -40C.
He arrived at the pole on Saturday, the 103rd anniversary of the expedition led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott reaching it.
The 58-year-old chartered financial adviser, from Dowlands Lane in Smallfield, was elated to complete the 138-mile mission, having undergone treatment for bowel, skin and prostate cancer all within 13 months in 2012-13.
"I feel a million dollars," he said as he reached the pole. "I have had absolutely no malfunctions in my body whatsoever. I don't feel as if I've done anything for the last 11 days and yet I know I've been through the most unbelievable ordeal."
Patrick travelled with polar guide Conrad Dickinson, 59, who led Prince Harry and his team on the Walking With The Wounded expedition in 2013.
The two men were entirely unsupported, meaning they carried all supplies and equipment themselves.
Aside from a broken jacket zip and stove, the only other problem they encountered was Patrick's breathing issues.
He explained: "I was exhausted and had huge breathing problems because of bronchial inflammation from the weather.
"I'm amazed that I arrived here in such a good mental and physical state, and by the fact that all the equipment worked, and that we got here in 11 days rather than the 15 we had planned for. It's all an extraordinary surprise."
Patrick aims to use his experience to highlight the importance of diagnosing patients early on.
He said: "I think GPs should be doing more. Women have cervical screening but it's not done early enough, and there's no equivalent for prostate cancer in men. 50 per cent of men over 50 have never been tested for prostate cancer."
Patrick, who is expected home this week, is raising money for three charities: Bowel Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer UK and the Voice of the Listener and the Viewer.
To find out more, visit kmgfoundation.blogspot.co.uk
