Bombardier Dan Smith will today (17 July) aim to make history navigating 500km of the remote Hess River in Canada's Yukon territory to raise funds for military charities.
Bombardier Dan Smith on tour with The Royal Artillery.
Dan, aged 46, from Stanley, County Durham, aims to become the first Brit to paddle the awe-inspiring river alone. He will embark on the 14-day expedition today, negotiating treacherous rapids and wild terrain that is home to bears and mountain lions.
Dan, who has served in the Army since 1998, including tours in Afghanistan and Northern Ireland with the Royal Artillery, will travel alone in a 15-foot Canadian canoe carrying all necessary supplies and specialist equipment.
“I will be paddling through one of the most remote landscapes in the world," said Dan.
"The expedition spans hundreds of kilometres from fast-paced technical white-water rapids to serene, glacier-fed waters, with the constant risk of apex predators around every corner."
Currently serving as a Reservist with 101 Northumbrian Medium Regiment Royal Artillery, Dan also works as a company director for two businesses he founded. He credits his military career for developing the skills and resilience needed for this challenge.
"The Army pushed me out of my comfort zone in a good way and made me the person who I am today," he explained.
The Army pushed me out of my comfort zone in a good way and made me the person who I am today
"It's given me the ethos to try to maintain the highest standards in everything I do."
The expedition aims to raise funds for two military charities. Dan hopes his journey will highlight the strength and resilience demonstrated by armed forces personnel.
"By embarking on this expedition, I aim to highlight the courage and resilience of our armed forces who brave harsh conditions," Dan added.
By embarking on this expedition, I aim to highlight the courage and resilience of our armed forces who brave harsh conditions
"My venture transcends personal ambition, mirroring the unseen battles fought by them and reminding me what our armed forces stand for - courage, resilience, and unflagging spirit."
Dan's military career includes serving as a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Commander in Afghanistan and as a troop instructor at The Army Foundation College. Among his most memorable experiences was meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II.
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