Explorers set off for South Pole

The couple will recreate Shackleton's unfinished journey

Polar explorers Fiona and Mike Thornewill set off on Monday on their latest mission.

The couple from Thurgarton in Nottinghamshire will mark the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton's expedition to the South Pole.

They will walk 112 miles to the Pole from the point where Shackleton was forced to turn back.

They are taking four novice explorers with them and hope to raise £10,000 for cancer and children's charities.

The Thornewills were the first married couple to reach the South Pole in 2000.

Greatest feat

The following year they reached the North Pole in 56 days.

What is recognised as Mrs Thornewill's greatest feat came in 2004 when she reached the South Pole unsupported in a record 41 days.

Now they are embarking on an expedition called Shackleton's Unfinished Journey.

In 1907, Shackleton mounted the first significant attempt to walk to the South Pole.

Together with companions Adams, Marshall and Wilde, he reached the furthest point south ever achieved.

However, with food running short, Shackleton had to make the decision to turn back or die.

'Brilliant feeling'

Mrs Thornewill said the latest expedition would not be easy.

"You're going uphill all the way and you're going into a constant head wind. You're pulling your sledge with all your supplies, be it food, fuel, your tent, everything you need," she said.

Four women have accepted the challenge to go along with the couple.

Mr Thornewill, who is leading the expedition, said: "You can relive it through other people's eyes because you can see that excitement.

"If you're able to facilitate it, it just means so much to be able to say to someone 'look what you've done' and just help nurture them along. It's a brilliant feeling."

The team will be away for Christmas and is due to return to Nottinghamshire in January.