AN ABERDYFI adventurer has trekked his way to the centre of one of the world’s most inhospitable regions.

Joe Doherty, 24, battled extreme weather and treacherous conditions to complete an epic self-powered trip to the South Pole, reaching the iconic landmark on Monday (7 January).

Joe, who works as a learning and adventure manager in the Outward Bound Centre in Aber­dyfi, has spent 45 days dragging his 80kg pulk (sled) 566 nautical miles to the South Pole from the Messner Start.

Joe was understandably jubilant about his incredible achievement.

“I’m at the South Pole!” He said.

“914km over 45 days of blood, sweat and tears and I am at the bottom of the planet!

“I can’t believe it. I cried as soon as I got to the Pole.

“This has been a dream, a project, a massive rollercoaster for over seven years now.

“There are not enough words to describe how I feel right now that I am stood at the South Pole after all those hard times.”

Joe was keen to thank everyone who had supported him on his journey, particularly his family and his girlfriend Jo Thomas.

He also thanked Outward Bound for their support in his gruelling marathon.

“A humongous thanks needs to go to The Outward Bound Trust UK,” he added.

“I have never worked for a company that is so supportive. They have been the catalyst that has enabled this expedition to happen.

“Without the support of its trustees and the trust itself, this simply would not have been possible.

“I will be forever be indebted to the trust and to fly the Outward Bound flag down here was truly emotional for me.

“A moment I will never forget. A moment I will not let anyone forget.”

Joe will now kite surf back to his base camp before transferring home. In doing so, he will become the first Scout in the world to ski to the South Pole and back.