Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance firm Catlin has sponsored a group of wounded ex-services personnel on a trek to the South Pole, the firm announced yesterday.

Catlin has donated insurance for teams from the UK, the US, Canada and Australia for the 334 mile journey across some of the toughest terrain in the world.

The South Pole Allied Challenge event is run by charity Walking With The Wounded, which raises funds to train injured, sick or wounded UK servicemen and women for civilian careers.

Catlin head of marketing John Carroll said it was the third time the firm had underwritten free of charge the insurance risk for the event.

He added: “We are again honoured to be one of the sponsors of Walking With The Wounded’s annual expedition.

“As the sponsor of the Catlin Arctic Survey from 2009-11, we at Catlin know how difficult it is for experienced explorers to cope with harsh polar conditions.

“The fact that individuals with significant disabilities would attempt to race across Antarctica is inspiring to say the least.

“We at Catlin wish all of the teams the best of luck and good fortune as they begin their icy journey to the South Pole.”

The teams started their trek on Sunday from a Russian-operated research station and they are expected to take around 16 days to complete the challenge.

The teams, which have undergone rigorous training to cope with the Antarctic conditions, will wear a Catlin logo on their cold weather parkas.

British Royal Prince Harry, a captain in the Army Air Corps, is the patron of the South Pole Allied Challenge and took part in the start of the expedition to demonstrate his support.

More information on http://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk.