Illness hits South Pole explorers

The team will recreate Shackleton's unfinished journey

A novice member of a polar expedition is flying back to the UK after falling ill with food poisoning.

Jennie Silkstone, 30, of West Bridgford, Notts, was one of six people in a South Pole trek headed by explorers Mike and Fiona Thornewill.

Both Mr Thornewill and Ms Silkstone fell ill with food poisoning in Punto Arenas, Chile, last week.

The 112-mile trek is marking the centenary of Sir Ernest Shackleton's expedition to the South Pole.

Mr Thornewill recovered and is continuing on the expedition, his support team in Nottinghamshire said.

Record holder

They are walking from the point where Shackleton was forced to turn back.

The team hopes to raise £10,000 for cancer and children's charities.

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

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.

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 abandon the trek.