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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the expedition take?
We expect the expedition to take around 70 days, which will mean covering around 27km every day. We do have some wiggle room though just incase we encounter difficulties.
What will the conditions be like?
The temperature could drop as low as 50c, and the wind speeds could reach 60mph. Throw in white-outs and 24hour sunlight and it’ll be something very different to what we know! Having said that, sometimes it can be milder.
When are you planning to go to Antarctica?
We’re planning on going in 2023. It will be from November to January as this is the only season expeditions are permitted due to the 24hour sunlight.
Are you having any help?
No! The entire expedition will be completed using the muscle power of the 5 Antarctic Fire Angels alone.
What is the route?
Our starting point is Berkner Island on the Ronne Ice Shelf; from there we will travel 1341km gradually uphill to the South Pole (which stands at 2,835m above sea level), where we will have a small re-supply ready for the next leg of the journey. From the South Pole we will continue uphill through the Titan Dome (3,100m above sea level) to the base of the Axel Heiberg Glacier. Although we will now be roughly 100km from the finish line, and it is comparatively downill; this is where we need our sharpest focus, as we will pass through crevasse territory. After 1900km, our finish line will be on the Ross Ice Shelf.
What dangers will you face?
Aside from being in possibly the harshest environment on planet Earth, we will face various dangers including ice pits (Crevasse), altitude sickness, dehydration/malnutrition if not managed properly, injury, or illness. Just a few things!
What happens if you fall ill?
Don’t worry, our progress will be closely monitored and if we get injured or fall ill to the point of not being able to complete the trip, we will be evacuated.
What if I have a problem or query regarding the sponsorship packages?
If you have any questions or issues regarding the sponsorship packages please contact us directly so we can help you as quickly as possible.
What are your thoughts on sustainability and the environment?
We endeavour to undertake our training, organisation & the expedition itself with an environmentally conscious mind – read our Sustainability Statement here.
How can I help?
The best ways to help us achieve our goals is to donate, or if you’re not in a position to do so, follow us on social media and help us spread the word about our expedition!
Can I become a corporate sponsor?
Absolutely! Please contact us directly if you are a business interested in becoming a sponsor. We have some attractive packages that we are sure will suit your needs.
Can you come and talk at my school?
Yes! Please contact us directly if you would like to organise a school talk. We ask for a donation for this service. We also have a bears initiative with ELISABETH SEWS available to schools. We hope you understand this is logistically dependent.
What are your charities?
Our two chosen charities are The Firefighters Charity, and The Harlequins Foundation.
Why are you doing this?
We would like to prove to women what women are capable of. We would like to demonstrate that even front-line firefighters can be affected by mental health, but that we can push through those boundaries to achieve our goals. And we would like to challenge the perceptions that gender stereotyping has created.
How are you training for the expedition?
We are currently training using a variety of ways to get us to peak fitness and ready for the expedition. This includes weight training, circuit and HIIT training, steady state cardio sessions and many many hours on our feet; either long walks or runs or tyre dragging around the British countryside. Tyre dragging in particular will be our bread and butter over the next few years.
Will you quit firefighting?
No! We love our jobs and are running this project in addition to our full-time firefighter roles. We will however take some time out to complete the actual expedition.
How can I watch your journey?
What happens to the money you raise if the expedition doesn't go ahead?
If the expedition doesn’t go ahead, any funds raised would be split equally between our two charities.