Q1. Although it’s not the end of your expedition, when you get to the South Pole, how will you celebrate?
George – Moonwalking in my skis…just kidding!! Thinking idealistically, I’d like to pop open a hip flask of port and toast everyone who’s made it there through adversity. Realistically, touch it, get resupplied, make sure everyone is ok, quick rest stop then leave.
Alison – I think we’ll all have a little hip flask for monumental moments like this. In mine I will have some aptly names ‘Snow Queen Vodka’. It’s so smooth it can be drunk neat! I would also like to be able to ring my husband and tell him we made it to the South Pole. And as we will be resupplying I would hope for some cake.
Nikki – Firstly, I’ll be bopping around the South Pole itself taking hundreds of selfies with it – my memory is shocking and I want as much photographic evidence of our achievements as possible! Secondly its got to be some sort of booze – I’d love to say a Baileys hot chocolate although this might be a stretch!
Nakita – Snacks, definitely snacks and a team picture…then off we go!!
Bex – A few swigs of brandy, some snow angels and a dance!
Beci – Knowing me I’ll probably happy cry. I think it’ll be a bit daunting to know my pulk is about to get heavy again…but we’ll be in a place only a tiny number of humans have stood. It will be a real mixture of emotions. Secretly hope they’ll let us shower there. A shower and clean knickers…heaven!!
Q2. Antarctica is a very special place that few get the chance to experience. Have you Guys appointed a team medic or all taken some extra med training for your exped?
Team – We all have basic trauma training but we will all be making sure our skills are current before we leave for the expedition. There is no doubt that some members of the team will be naturally drawn to that role better than others but any big decisions will be taken out of our control by the base camp doctor such as the decision to evacuate someone or the whole team. We have a few friends of the team that have first hand experience of being a medic in this environment and look forward to working with them.
Q3. If you could take one imaginary item with you regardless of weight what would it be?
George – Can I have 3? My dogs, Pippa, Poppy and Luis.
Alison – Definitely my bed. I always miss that when I am away.
Nikki – Probably my shower! I hate the idea of accumulating layers of grossness day after day! It’d be amazing to have a hot shower and a fluffy towel at the end of the day to reset and feel ready for the next one! Although I probably wouldn’t want to get out.
Nakita – Too many possibilities here!
Bex – George my dog, great hot water bottle and all round comfort and fun.
Beci – A bathroom.
Q4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Beci – Working towards a big promotion at work. Two kids doing well. I’d like to start a degree. Delivering training/talks post expedition and maybe do some mountains too.
Bex – Enjoying life in wales with my family.
Nakita – Having completed the expedition and using my experience to help others move forward with their own fund raising challenges to get their message out there.
Nikki – Ooo I’ve actually no idea! I can see myself experiencing a void when I no longer have the Antarctic to focus on, so I’d imagine I’ll seek to fill that somehow, whether that be another physical challenge or something a little more family orientated! I don’t imagine I’d shut up about the incredible expedition I’d been on too, and if I can continue to help women realise their own possibilities I’ll be so happy.
Alison – I will be retired from the Fire Service then. So I would like to be helping other women to take on challenges and give them some leadership and coaching skills. I would like to lead a few outdoor type courses if my body is still in good order. I would love to have a place in France that my husband and I could spend a lot of time. Would love to have another dog but hopefully that won’t take 5 years! Who knows I could be looking for another challenge to take on.
George – I see myself sitting in a beautiful holiday cottage with the dogs and my partner planning the next Expedition and probably my retirement! I also aim to be leading expeditions for people who never considered themselves capable of doing anything like this.
Q5. Coffee or tea?
George – Tea when I wake up. Coffee mid morning with a biscuit.
Alison – Oh I am a massive coffee drinker. No brainier, this question.
Nikki – Tea, tea tea!! Don’t tell anyone but I can’t bear coffee!
Nakita – Coffee!
Bex – I like both, tea first thing and coffee throughout the day!
Beci – Decaf coffee.
Q6. Describe yourself in three words:
George – Only 3?! Ermmmm – prompt, focussed, sentimental.
Alison – Determined, logical , impatient.
Nikki – Independent, Enthusiastic, & Stubborn (It’s personal growth to admit this one – my mother has been telling me this for years!)
Nakita – Unable to simplify! In all seriousness – Determined, passionate and loyal.
Bex – Resilient, dedicated and loyal.
Beci – Contradictory. Talkative. Hungry.
As always we have some lovely little videos for you to watch, click on the pictures to go there. Beci talks about her mental health and how she is coping with lockdown.
Nakita opens up about her reasons for starting the Antarctic Fire Angels. What it means to her personally and as a team…it’s an emotional one so get the tissues ready!