In the footsteps of Shackleton

17-year-old to follow Shackleton's adventure

Ernest Shackleton dared to trek across the vast wilderness of the Antarctic in 1909, coming only 112 miles short of the South Pole before turning back.

Now intrepid explorer Katie Walter, 17, is aiming to finish the route 100 years after Shackleton’s attempt, while also becoming the youngest person ever to trek to the South Pole.

Setting off last week, the expedition led by Mike Thornewill of Polar Challenge, saw the team fly from London to Putna Arenas at the Southern tip of South America.

The team will start its journey from the Antarctic base camp at Patriot Hills after acclimatising and packing their sledges.  Shackleton will not be far from their minds as they travel to his furthest point south where they will set off with their skis and heavy sledges for 112 miles.

It's no easy feat, and the group will traverse enormous ice fields and glaciers, a far cry from Nottinghamshire schoolgirl Walter's everyday life.

Walter is no normal schoolgirl though; her determination has seen her embark on this amazing expedition and the hockey player is raising money for her favourite charities at the same time.

Notts Air Ambulance and Dyslexia Action will benefit from her monumental trek. “I can’t believe that the departure date has finally arrived,” Walter said. “I’m excited and nervous at the same time but my training stands me in good stead to complete the challenge.

“I can’t wait to get going and one thing’s for sure; I’ll definitely be having a white Christmas this year!”

Thorniwell, the expedition's organiser and leader, said: “The time has finally come for Katie to embark on her expedition in which she will attempt to become the youngest person to ever trek to the South Pole.

“This is a truly remarkable challenge for someone so young to undertake but having seen Katie’s commitment over the last couple of years I have no doubt that she will successfully complete it.”

James Budden, Marketing Director at Baillie Gifford which is helping to sponsor Walter, said: “We wish Katie the best of luck with her remarkable endeavor and look forward to hearing of her achievement in reaching the South Pole.

“Katie is a great role model to her peers and we are thrilled to be able to help her fulfill her dream of being the youngest person to reach the South Pole.”

For more information, visit: www.polarchallenge.org