South Pole race helps injured soldiers return to civilian life

But John Bale, co-founder of Canberra-based charity Soldier On, said many still craved the adventure, physical challenges and teamwork that the armed forces offered them.

''They have been in a team environment, working on operations, with their mates, pushing themselves for most of their careers, and that is what they associate with themselves … that's the kind of people they are,'' Mr Bale said.

It is in that spirit recently returned servicemen and women from Australia, the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand and Canada will head to Antarctica next year to be part of a gruelling four-week race covering 15-20km each day, with temperatures expected to reach minus 45 degrees.

All the soldiers selected for the 2013 Walking With The Wounded South Pole Allied Challenge have suffered physical injuries or psychological problems as a result of war.

Event patron Prince Harry accompanied injured British soldiers on a similar trek to the North Pole in 2011, and is said to be hoping to join the expedition next year.

Mr Bale said the challenge would rebuild their confidence and provide an inspirational example for others, and help raise awareness of their sacrifices amongst the general public, aiding their integration into civilian life.

''[The injured number in the] hundreds for the physical wounds and also injuries that happen not necessarily in combat but in that area of operation, and thousands for those who have had psychological conditions that have come up either after or during their deployment overseas,'' he said.

Three teams of wounded soldiers, one from the US, one from the UK, and a third Commonwealth team comprising servicemen and women from Australia, New Zealand and Canada, will race to reach the finish line first.

Soldier On is the Australian charity partner for the event and it is calling for donations to help send soldiers on the trip.