Money raised by brave explorer Henry Worsley has smashed through the £300,000 barrier.
The 55-year-old was raising money for The Endeavour Fund when he died on the cusp of becoming the first person to complete a solo mission across the Antarctic.
When his death was announced on January 25, his JustGiving page stood at £100,000 - the fundraising target the dad-of-two from Fulham had set himself.
Within days the amount doubled to over £200,000 , and on February 4 the total donated stood at nearly £277,000, but over £308,000 with the inclusion of Gift Aid. And the figure will continue to rise with with tributes and money being left every day .
The former army officer, who had spent 36 years in the armed forces, was taking part in the Shackleton Solo expedition attempting a solo crossing of the Antarctic to mark the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s failed attempted crossing of the continent.
He died on January 24, after radioing for help and being airlifted off the ice on Day 70 of his trek, on January 22. He was 30 miles away from finishing his 1,000 mile mission.
The trek was raising money for The Endeavour Fund, a charity managed by the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry which helps wounded servicemen and women who wish to undertake activities in the physical arena as part of their rehabilitation process.
His death prompted tributes from friend Prince William , who was also patron of the Shackleton Solo Expedition. He said: “He was a man who showed great courage and determination and we are incredibly proud to be associated with him.”
And British astronaut Tim Peake tweeted from space: “Thoughts are with the family & friends of Henry Worsley - a true explorer, adventurer & inspiration to many.”
His wife Joanna Worsley had also said: “Henry achieved his Shackleton Solo goals: of raising over £100,000 for the Endeavour Fund, to help his wounded colleagues, and so nearly completing the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic landmass.”
