The 7-3-7 Challenge

Richard Parks, former Welsh International and Barbarian flanker, who was recently forced to retire from professional rugby, as a result of a serious shoulder injury, has become the first person to climb the highest summits on each of the world's seven continents and stand on each of the three poles (Geographical North Pole, South Pole and the summit of Mount Everest), in under 7 months.

On Tuesday 12th July 2011 Richard made history by completing his world first 7-3-7 Challenge in 6 months, 11 days, 7 hours and 53 minutes. He undertook the challenge to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Click below to read the whole of Richard's story or go to www.737challenge.com

The first part of a BBC documentary about his challenge can be seen on BBC Wales on Tuesday 26th June at 10.35pm.

• 27 Dec 2010 – Leg 1. THE SOUTH POLE
• 8 January 2011 – Leg 2. MOUNT VINSON
• 5 February 2011 – Leg 3. ACONCAGUA
• 27 February 2011 – Leg 4. KILIMANJARO
• 15 March 2011 – Leg 5. CARSTENSZ PYRAMID
• 11 April 2011 – Leg 6. THE NORTH POLE
• 25 May 2011 – Leg 7. MOUNT EVEREST
• 30 June 2011 – Leg 8. DENALI
• 12 July 2011 – Leg 9. ELBRUS