If you have ever had a song stuck in your head, and struggled to shake it off, spare a thought for polar explorer Mark Wood, who has been plagued by a novelty hit by the Wombles as he travels across Antarctica. Wood got the song “Wombling Merry Christmas” stuck in his head after talking to his family on the telephone on Christmas day, and to add insult to injury, lost his iPod on the second day of his expedition, so has little chance of respite in the near future. Wood embarked on his journey to explore both poles on skis to help raise awareness of climate change issues.

Rhythm of the Skis

The song that was composed by Mike Batt, who also discovered and wrote music for Katie Melua, has plagued Wood throughout his journey since. “At Christmas I did ring my family, but afterwards I had a Wombles Christmas song stuck in my head,” explained Wood. “In the end it seemed like the rhythm of my skiing was even the same as the song.” In addition to getting shot of his snow boots and replacing his lamented iPod, Wood is looking forward to having a cheese sandwich when he returns to Coventry.

In Good Company

Other explorers to have taken the same journey as Wood include Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who offered the younger explorer some words of encouragement. “The North South solo expedition is the toughest journey on the planet. I wish Mark every success in his endeavour and I encourage others to follow in his journey.”