A COFTON Hackett adventurer who is almost a month into a dangerous group expedition of Antarctica is on course to reach the South Pole for Christmas.

Chris Brooke, 34, is attempting a full traverse of Antarctica unassisted to raise £100,000 for ABF The Soldiers' Charity in memory of Henry Worsley, who died on the trek in January.

His six-man group are now 260 nautical miles away from the South Pole, having hit the half-way point on December 7, and hope to reach their magical marker on Christmas Day.

Writing a daily blog at the expedition’s website, spear17.org, Mr Brooke said: "The team are doing really well. We’ve been really lucky over the last few days.

"We’ve had some great weather, the sun’s been shining. Obviously a bit cold and chilly, but everything’s good.

"I’m feeling fitter every day, getting used to the conditions over the last couple of weeks."

Only six people have completed the route unassisted.

And with Chris a third of the way into the complete traverse, wife Melissa said she is proud of her husband of two years – even if they are spending Christmas Day 9845 miles apart.

Mrs Brooke, 31, who has been with paramedic Chris for 11 years, said: "I’m spending Christmas Day without him this year but have supportive family and friends with me.

"People ask ‘are you missing him?’. I am missing him like crazy but because we receive blog updates from the team I know they are safe and making progress.

"I spoke to Chris last Monday and he said he was finding it hard but enjoying every moment of it. Their strength and determination is just incredible, truly inspirational.

"Myself and his family are so proud of Chris and what he is doing, we are also so proud of the whole team. They are picking up the miles each day and doing a brilliant job."

The expedition team aim to finish their trek by the end of January.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/spear17.