JXMedical Expeditions and Consultancy
Expeditions
These aren't for the faint hearted
James has undertaken some of the most extreme challenges out there. Making history with a Guinness World record crossing of the Indian Ocean, facing the brutal storms raging across Antarctica, Racing in the PTL around the Alps along with many other adventures.
Chasing the Light 2021
As an experienced explorer and doctor James faced another gruelling expedition. An ambitious and dangerous attempt to reach the Pole of Inaccessibility and then the South Pole (again!)
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With a man that can only be described as a hero, James paired up with Justin Packshaw MBE. With an incredible source of knowledge and experience the pair had a fantastic time facing the Antarctic elements together.
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Learning another new skill they harnessed the wind power to ski-kite, pulling 200kg sledges, across the ice.
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Encountering some of the toughest conditions James has been up against, with 100mph winds carrying a wind chill of -60 degrees they used their 4 different kite sizes to navigate the wilderness of the polar plateau. Having to make calculated and difficult decisions the pair ended up pointing their skies in the direction of the South Pole and leaving the Pole of Inaccessibilty to be explored another time. After 57 days surviving and enjoying their experience they reached the South Pole.
The First and Only Indian Ocean Rowing Race 2009
In 2009 the First Indian Ocean Rowing Race was held and has never been run again given the difficulties of such an endeavour.
However there would be nothing that would stop the determined pair James Facer-Childs and James Thysse who made history as the youngest pair to row across an ocean aged 21 and 22. They remain the only wooden boat to have successfully completed the Indian Ocean Crossing.
Facing hell and high water they rowed for 103 days, bracing against 60ft waves and brutal storms, remaining in high spirits and good humour throughout, capsizing 1,000 miles from the nearest help, and enduring the hunger pangs of rationing their food they reached Port Louie, Mauritius to be greeted by their family and friends.
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A challenge and adventure that will live with them both forwever, James Facer-Childs went on to study medicine and continue exploring the world.
SPEAR17
As winter approached in 2016 6 army reservists made their final preparations before embarking on a prolonged expedition, to become the First British Team to Cross Antarctica through man-power alone.
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With a super group of guys lead by Louis Rudd with Dr James as the expedition doctor the team flew via Chile into Antarctica in November 2016.
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Pitting their strength, training and grit against the savage elements that Antarctica throws at you the team pushed through each day, man-hauling their heavily ladened pulks of 120kg over the weathered icy ground. Walking for 10-11 hours a day they pushed up from sea level to towards the South Pole reaching the iconic Pole on Christmas Day to the joy of all the team.
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They were only half-way there as they continued to walk on in memory of Henry Worsley OBE. The team dug deep as they surmounted the Titan Dome before finally seeing the Transantarctic Mountains and descending the heavily crevassed Shackleton Glacier to the Ross Ice Shelf
LA PETITE TROTTE À LÉON
As part of the renowned UTMB races the PTL is a a 300km event that takes place around Mont Blanc. Setting out from Chamonix myself and George hit the ground running. A buzzing atmosphere and fantastic crowd we set off amongst other teams of 2-3 people.
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Pacing up the steep Alpine slopes and rugged terrain, admiring the beauty of the mountains and running downhill to make the timings we challenged ourselves and enjoyed the event.
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With 2-4 hours sleep a day and 3 times the height of Everest to climb over the course it was as punishing as it was spectacular.
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