A Financial Planner who has overcome cancer three times will embark on an expedition to the South Pole in just over a week's time with a polar guide who helped Prince Harry.
IFP corporate member Aegon is supporting Patrick McIntosh's adventure as he tries to raise awareness of men's health issues.
Mr McIntosh, 58, from Surrey, has been diagnosed with three types of cancer since 2012.
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His semi-solo operation will be undertaken with polar guide Conrad Dickinson, who also walked with Prince Harry on 'Walking with the Wounded'.
Their journey is scheduled to commence, weather dependent, with a flight into Antarctica on 3 January, landing on an ice runway.
After several days' acclimatisation at Union Glacier including a mini expedition, Patrick and Conrad will fly to a drop-off point which is 222 kilometres from the South Pole.
Before he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and in between treatments for bowel and skin cancer he climbed Kilimanjaro. In the past he has also sailed across the Atlantic and made countless touring trips across the Alps.
Mr McIntosh, a director at KMG, said a business protection critical illness policy which he had in place was crucial to his recovery and ability to do the trek.
He said: "With a family history of cancer and being the director of a business, business protection was an obvious necessity. I didn't want to put that pressure on my family and colleagues should I be diagnosed with cancer.
"The protection payment made a huge difference to my quality of life and rate of recovery during a very stressful time. I may not have managed as well or recovered as quickly had it not been for the safety net the pay-out gave me.
"As Aegon paid my claim and helped make this expedition possible, it made sense to seek their support. I'm really pleased that they have got on board with what will hopefully be a successful campaign in raising awareness so people don't have to experience the health challenges I have."
He is raising money for three charities - Bowel Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer UK, and The Voice of the Listener and Viewer.
He said: "After my experience with cancer, I have realised the importance of early diagnosis in order to live a long and healthy life. I have chosen to support three fantastic charities which do very important work contributing to this, as well as to reach as many people as possible via lectures and presentations."
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