Super Brit crushes South Pole trek record
Superwoman Fiona Thornewill has pulverised the record for trekking to the South Pole by a whopping two days.
The 37-year-old from Nottingham beat the previous best of 44 days set by a Korean team. Walking sole she overcame 70mph winds and temperatures touching minus 50C to complete the 700-mile marathon in 41 and a half days.
The only other woman to have completed the journey solo was Norwegian Liv Arnesen, who took 50 days in 1994.
The recruitment consultant said: “When I arrived I had tears in my eyes. I couldn’t believe I was there – it was an overpowering feeling.
“I was inspired by the knowledge that so many people were willing me on. With a mile to go, the sun came out and I reached my destination in glorious sunshine.”
Step father-in-law Roger Allton said Fiona was a “superstar athlete”.
“She’s beaten everyone, including the men.”
Rosie Stancer, 43-year-old great niece of the late Queen Mum, was still battling towards the finish last night.
Fiona’s husband Mike – a police officer – is on the same trek, having begun his mission some days later.
