Ranulph Fiennes must be gutted that he has had to give up his trans-Antarctic winter journey attempt before actually setting off in the Antarctic, because of his frost-bitten fingers.
But he had no choice. He has already lost several finger tips with frostbite which occurs when the temperature is so low that blood vessels constrict and the flow to the affected part is significantly reduced. If this reduced blood flow persists the tissues die. and the surface skin becomes black. Gangrene may follow if the deeper tissues are affected.
The condition needs prompt treatment to limit the extent of the damage. The return of blood flow is painful.
I’m sure that the team will continue successfully with the many scientific aims that have been planned, also the big fund raising for charity.
The last time a man pulling expedition was made in the Antarctic was when Edward Wilson, ‘Birdie’ Bowers and Apsley Cherry-Garrard crossed Ross Island in 1911. The journey was very short by comparison with Sir Ranulphs expedition, but memorably awful.
Isobel Williams – Author, Cruise Speaker and Lecturer 