Inspirational explorer wins award

Thornewill was declared a 'role model'

Explorer Fiona Thornewill has received a special award for her record-breaking trek to the South Pole.

In January this year she became the first British woman to walk to the pole alone and unaided, covering the 700-mile course in 42 days.

In doing so, she set the record for any man or woman.

The Nottingham-based recruitment consultant's "inspirational" feat was recognised on Friday at the European Women of Achievement Awards.

Role model

Mrs Thornewill, who attended the ceremony in London with her explorer husband Mike, received the chairman's award, which is given for inspirational individual achievement.

Awards chair Peta Payne said each of the winners had made great contributions in their respective fields.

She said: "They possess the same determination to succeed, belief in their own abilities, the courage to overcome often huge obstacles and the willpower to make it happen.

"They are also an inspiration as role models."