After three weeks of intensive and invasive treatment for the flesh eating bug Leishmaniasis - which has involved a toxic metal compound being delivered intravenously every day - the doctors at University College Hospital, London have told him that he does not need the second phase of treatment, which would have meant a further 6-8 weeks of the same. The treatment takes an hour to deliver and is so fierce that he has had to have heart and blood tests every other day to make sure his body can withstand the onslaught.
Commenting on hearing the results, Ben said "It is an enormous relief. It has been a very difficult time, not only because of the worry of the illness, but also the debilitating effects of the treatment. The effects of the treatment have caused my deteriorating health, including vomiting, muscle seizures and mild pneumonia but now that the treatment has stopped the effects will subside - I hope quite quickly. My aim now is to regain my fitness as quickly as is humanly possible with the guidance of the doctors. It has been a very unpleasant experience and my grateful thanks go to the professionals and nurses at the School of Tropical Diseases and the University College Hospital for their brilliant care".
South Pole race doctor Ian Davis has also cleared Ben and QinetiQ put him through a fitness test day to ensure he's ready to take on the challenge. Team QinetiQ
For more news and infomation about the South Pole Epedition visit the Team QinetiQ website
