Factual indie Caravan is in production on a new documentary for Channel 4 in which an elite team of veterans open up about dealing with mental health issues as they take on one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons.
“With just 10 days to cover 500km through a frozen wilderness, deep in the arctic circle and in the depths of winter, the challenge pushes them to their limits.”
Arctic Adventure: Ultimate Survival (1×60’), brings together former UK Special Forces soldier and star of SAS: Who Dares Wins Jason Fox, Aldo Kane (a Royal Marines Commando Sniper veteran), Brian Wood MC (awarded the Military Cross for bravery), and Karl Hinett (an Invictus Games medallist who triumphed over the life-changing burns sustained in Iraq).
The former soldiers head to Swedish Lapland for a gruelling, self-sufficient endurance race. Skiing and hiking for more than 18 hours a day while dragging 45kg sledges of food and survival gear, the team battles through snow in -25°C temperatures, camping on frozen lakes and bedding down in isolated arctic hunting lodges.
As the expedition progresses, they begin to talk about their past life-changing traumas and how they still struggle with their mental health.
Dinah Lord, CEO and executive producer, Caravan said: “Arctic Adventure: Ultimate Survival combines escapism, humour and brutally tough arctic conditions with a really powerful message about male mental health: the importance of being honest, and that asking for help when you need it doesn’t make you any less of a man – in fact, it’s critical for survival.”
Jonah Weston, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 said: “Male suicide and mental health in the UK is an unsung scandal. Seeing Foxy, Aldo and friends address this head-on during their amazing Arctic odyssey sends a simple but powerful message. Suffering in silence is a killer. Connection saves lives.”
Arctic Adventure: Ultimate Survival is a Caravan production for Channel 4. It is produced and directed by Tom Cross, produced by Samuel Mundell and the Executive Producer is Dinah Lord. It was commissioned for Channel 4 by Jonah Weston. Banijay Rights is the worldwide distribution partner.
Jon Creamer
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