Josh Braid, adventurer and Rockinghorse supporter, has become a world record holder for his Antarctic expedition.
Many of you will remember our amazing supporter Josh Braid, who undertook an amazing challenge to pull a Rockinghorse to the South Pole in December 2024.
And now, his feat of pulling a rocking horse 110km during his trek to the South Pole has been recognized as an official world record by Guinness World Records!
Josh Braid left the UK on 12 December 2014, to climb Mt Vinson (4,892m) in Antarctica and then pull a specially made rocking horse the last degree to the South Pole.
Josh took around 10 years to plan his challenge after being inspired by a similar trip that his Great Uncle made to the south Pole in 1961. He also wanted to support Rockinghorse, a charity close to his heart.
In 2022, Josh and his wife welcomed twin boys, one who was cared for in the special care baby unit and the other who underwent an operation. It was during this time that he saw first-hand the work that Rockinghorse do and wanted to give even more back to the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.
After completing his challenge and arriving at the South Pole, Josh described the moment, “It was such an incredible feeling to have realised a dream, that started when I became fascinated with photos of my Norwegian Great Uncle over 10 years earlier.
“To stand at a point on Earth where every direction is North and a location stepped in history from the early polar explorers of Amundsen and Scott having stood there 113 years earlier, was such a privilege.”
Sharon Gearing, Head of Philanthropy and Development at Rockinghorse said, “What Josh achieved with his trek to the South Pole is nothing short of astonishing. Not only was it something that had never been done before, but it also highlighted our work in a whole new way.
“Having our mascot travel to the furthest point on earth is fantastic and certainly not something that happens every day! We can’t thank Josh enough for all his support and we can’t wait to find out what his next adventure will be!”
And following on from his adventure, the icing on the cake for Josh was being awarded his World Record – a wonderful way to celebrate his amazing achievements.
He said, “I am delighted to have received this Guinness World Record. My aim from the start was to raise funds and awareness for this incredible charity.
“The legacy of Rocky the rocking horse will hopefully inspire others to raise funds and provide those children going through treatment hope.”
Congratulations, Josh. A world-record holder and a true Rockinghorse hero!
