21-Mar-2012 06:58:52 AM [(GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi]

This blog marks the official start of my reparations for the final chapter of my 4Deserts Challenge. I started in 2008 with the Sahara Race, and quickly decided after that event that I wanted to complete the series. I have now completed the Gobi March (2010) and the Atacama Crossing (2011). The 2012 Last Desert (Antarctica) has special significance for me for a number of reasons. Obviously it represents the final chapter of my challenge, but this year also marks the 100th Anniversary of Scott and Amundsen's epic expeditions to the Geographic South Pole. Ever since I was school boy I have be drawn to the stories of Antarctic exploration. I am even the proud father of two Huskies! At school we were all divided up into four houses - Scott, Shackleton, Hilary and Livingston. I was in Scott, and was required to read up on Scott and know all about his exploits. The fascination continues today. Just last week i was fortunate enough to attend the Royal Geographic Society's (Hong Kong Chapter) celebratory guest lectures covering expeditions to the South Pole and Antarctica. The speaker, Edward J Larson gave some incredible presentations, all of which have really wet my appetite for the Last Desert. So the preparation starts now! Physical training will start off slowly, but there is a lot to be done to raise money and promote the charities that I represent. St Baldrick's and the Hong Kong Children's Cancer Foundation are working together to conquer childhood cancer. They fund vital research, and do amazing work to improve the lives of young cancer patients and their families. http://stbaldricks.com http://ccf.org.hk Operation Breakthrough works to tackle juvenile delinquency by providing positive reinforcement and sporting opportunities for juveniles at risk. This charity has a great track record and its work has be rewarded with international recognition. http://breakthrough.hk You can follow my preparation for the Last Desert and the 'story so far' on Facebook Simon's 4Deserts Challenge I may be entering the home straight, but there is still a lot of hard work to do.........