Dafydd Helps-Fursse, an Edge Hill University alumnus, is preparing for an expedition across the South Pole by 2030 to raise awareness of men's mental health, two years after completing the World's Toughest Row across the Atlantic Ocean. The former teaching student, who graduated in 2014, will tackle the frozen wilderness with the same crew from his previous challenge, aiming to support charities including CALM and Andy's Man Club.
From Teaching to Extreme Expeditions
Dafydd graduated from Edge Hill in 2014 with a BSc (Hons) Science with Physics with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). He secured his place through Clearing and was immediately impressed by the campus. "I visited the University for an interview and was just blown away by the campus and facilities on offer to students," he said. "The campus is a special place and by far one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK."
He credits the teaching staff for his success: "We had some incredible lecturers who truly loved the art of teaching. They put a huge amount of time and effort into our cohort and ensured we had the necessary tools at our disposal when we entered the workplace." Dafydd also received support for his dyslexia, with lecturers allowing multiple drafts and offering feedback on language and spelling.
Career and Previous Challenge
After graduating, Dafydd secured his first teaching role through his final placement, receiving a job offer the same day as his interview. He spent five years teaching in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, where he taught a member of the Royal Family and led student expeditions to Nepal and Borneo. He is now Lead Practitioner of Science at King Edmund School in Essex.
In 2024, Dafydd and friends Richard Wilkinson and Scott Brown, competing as Oardinary Buoys, completed the World's Toughest Row, covering more than 3,000 nautical miles from La Gomera to Antigua in just over 41 days. "It was a completely unsupported expedition, so for those 41 days, my crew and I ate, slept, rowed and looked after each other non-stop," he said. "We would row for two hours, take a two-hour break where we would eat, sleep and use the toilet, then row again." He lost 12kg during the journey.
Motivation and Future Plans
The trio now plan to cross the South Pole by 2029 or 2030 to raise awareness of men's mental health. Dafydd commented: "Men's mental health continues to be an issue within today's society. So many men take their lives every day, yet there is little being done about it. We want to show what 'Oardinary' men can achieve while helping those who are trying to support men through difficult times."
Reflecting on Edge Hill's role in his journey, Dafydd said: "Edge Hill is a home. It's a place I could walk around comfortably now. I would recommend attending Edge Hill to any student seeking a university education somewhere they are supported, accepted and challenged to grow." His advice to students: "Take every opportunity Edge Hill throws at you. Join every club, attend every lecture and never miss a social event."
Edge Hill University will hold open days on Saturday, August 15, 2026, Saturday, October 17, and Saturday, November 21.
