The British adaptive explorer Darren Edwards set off with his expedition team Matthew Biggar, Lucy Shepherd and Dwayne Fields in December 2025, in a bid to complete a ground-breaking 222km sit-ski to the South Pole. The team had a three week window to reach their target, however the adverse weather conditions and incredible challenge of skiing across rock-hard Sastrugi, through the world’s most inhospitable desert, meant that Darren and the expedition team could not cover enough ground each day. Falling further behind their target distance each day meant that the team would have had to extend the expedition by up to two weeks to reach the South Pole by ski. Without the rations needed to extend the expedition or the funds to fly in a resupply, Darren and the team made the difficult decision to call an end to the expedition on Wednesday 17th December. We are immensely proud of Darren, his determination and accomplishment, being an inspirational role model to so many others and truly redefining impossible. Darren will be sharing his story at a number of public speaking engagements across the country in 2026. Please do get in touch if you would like Darren to appear at your workplace, conference or event.
Simon Akeroyd partners with Agatha Christie Limited
We are delighted to announce a new partnership bringing together expert horticulturist Simon Akeroyd with the world of Agatha Christie, as one of her most celebrated novels, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, marks its centenary. First published in June 1926, it remains one of Agatha Christie’s most acclaimed works and has been named 'the best ever crime novel' by the Crime Writers’ Association. Simon was invited to embark on the partnership due to his extensive horticultural knowledge and to give a nod to Hercule Poirot’s memorable attempts to grow marrows in the book. The anniversary also has a special personal significance for Simon, who spent several years as Head Gardener at Greenway, Agatha Christie’s much-loved home on the banks of the River Dart in Devon.




