Described by the Times as: “living proof that humans really can reach new peaks”.
Ann’s initial experience of the polar world was as a key member of a relay expedition to the North Pole in 1997. She was selected from hundreds of applicants to join the first team, which was tasked with crossing the toughest sections of ice in the coldest weather that any of the five relay groups experienced.
Despite temperatures cold enough to freeze skin instantly, Ann and four colleagues from the relay went on to organise and accomplish a 700-mile expedition across Antarctica to the South Pole. A couple of years after that achievement, Ann invited two friends from the South Pole team to join her on a return expedition to the North Pole.
This time there would be no relay: the trio would cover the entire distance on their own. Pom Oliver, one of the trio, had to be evacuated part-way through the expedition, leaving Ann and Caroline to reach the Pole and achieve their Guinness world record on June 1st, 2002.
In 2009, Ann was asked by fellow explorer Pen Hadow to be his head of ice operations for the ground-breaking Catlin Arctic Survey. This project completed a unique environmental study of the rapidly disappearing frozen Arctic Ocean. Ann was responsible for leading the team on the ice and finding a safe route, making difficult decisions in the most extreme environment on Earth for 74 consecutive days.
Ann, Britain’s first female polar guide, also speaks at conferences and events on the subjects of leadership, teamwork and the environment, using her inspirational tales of preparation, hard work and perseverance to inspire guests.
