AT the start of this January, Shaun Weston, Managing Director of British Offsite Ltd, embarked on The Last Degree Challenge – a seven-day, 100km ski expedition across one of the most extreme environments on the planet. His mission: to reach the Geographic South Pole in support of St Clare Hospice.

After Shaun and his team reached the starting point of the Last Degree – the final 60 nautical miles (roughly 111 km) separating 89° South from the very bottom of the Earth – his toughest stretch began. From there, Shaun skied the entire distance, towing a supply-laden sled through -20°C conditions and pushing himself harder than ever before, ultimately completing the challenge with a triumphant arrival at the South Pole.

Speaking about the experience, Shaun Weston said: ‘I’m feeling happy, tired, and traumatised in the best way after completing The Last Degree Challenge. It’s been the culmination of nearly two years of planning and prep work. I’ve directed a huge amount of time and energy into the project and I’m tremendously happy to have supported St Clare Hospice this way.

The South Pole is exactly what you would imagine: a vast, wide, barren wilderness – and cold! Temperatures were between –25°C and –35°C. But I felt a great sense of elation when I finally reached the pole and raised St Clare Hospice’s flag. They do such great work, and the care they provide is something people naturally don’t tend to think about until they or their families and loved ones need it.

My association with the hospice goes back many years. My father and his business has worked with St Clare for around 25 years, and a very close friend of his was a patient there. Because of that connection, I’ve worked with the hospice for probably 12 to 15 years myself. Over time, you realise how many people you know end up being cared for or supported by them. Having worked with the team, it’s the people who operate the hospice that I’ve also built up a connection with over the years. They’re fantastic individuals who show up night and day. The Hospice at Home nurses are up at all hours providing support and comfort – it’s a phenomenal service.’

Shaun’s commitment to St Clare extends far beyond this challenge. Throughout 2025, he took on a remarkable lineup of fundraising events – from a family fun walk and charity golf day to a boxing spar-a-thon, a gala dinner, and even taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks. So far, his efforts have raised an astounding £113,000 for the hospice. This could go towards covering the cost of 518 nights of specialist care for families caring for a loved one at home at the end of their life.

You can still continue to support Shaun and the hospice by donating to his Just Giving page: Shaun Weston is fundraising for St Clare Hospice (Hastingwood)