Adrian Cross

Adrian was born in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, in the heart of the Midlands and not by the sea, as you might expect. Educated at Ibstock secondary school, and presently living in Thringstone, Adrian Cross was one of a team of explorers in the 1999 expedition called "Mission Antarctica."

He is a Royal Yachting Association Senior Sailing Instructor, but even though he lives the furthest possible distance from the sea - a geographic feature claimed by Ashby - he still teaches young people to handle boats up to National Competition Standards.

Adrian was awarded "Special Envoy of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation" in 2000, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Mission Antarctica, 1998-99.

Through his support of Mission Antarctica, Adrian has demonstrated his concern for humanity and its environment. Being an ex-serviceman with Arctic experience, a local politician and conservationist his teamwork and leadership skills were put to use on the mission.

When asked why he wanted to go on "Mission Antarctica, he said:

"As a 19 year old sitting on the shore in the Falkland Islands looking South with nothing between me and the ice but open ocean I said to myself, 'One day I will get there'."

Another question was "How will you make use of the experience?" He answered:

"It is a lifetime's ambition achieved. As group co-ordinator on board the ice-yacht 'Pelagic' I saw a team come together, grow and mature, then succeed in their Mission. What more should I expect but to share this with as many people as possible?"

It was a combination of Adrians life experiences that has led him to undertake this fantastic educational project.