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On the 4th January 2000
Fiona Thornewill and her team mate Catharine became The First British
Women to walk to the South Pole, at the same time Fiona and Mike became the
first married couple to do so as well! They also managed to renew their wedding
vows on the famous landmark, making front-page news around the world.
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On 6th May
2001, the same team arrived at the North Pole after walking for 56 days
across the frozen Atlantic Ocean. The team planted a ski pole with a
Union Jack and Canadian flag to mark their arrival. Once again they
entered the record books, Fiona and Catherine becoming the first British
Women to walk to both the North and South Poles. Despite severe Arctic
weather, sometimes as cold as -50C, the quartet managed to cover more
than 480 statute miles across the frozen Arctic Ocean.
Fiona Thornewill was born and raised in Northamptonshire where she soon
proved herself a talented, young athlete. She was particularly gifted at
netball, cross-country, 500 metres and high jump. When she left school
she studied hotel management at college, married her first husband and
became an administrator at RAF Newton. It was at RAF Newton that Fiona
got her glider pilot's licence at just 23 years of age.
After leaving RAF Newton, she started her fitness centre in Newark and
qualified as an instructor. Tragically Fiona lost her first husband in a
road accident but valiantly carried on managing her own business until
meeting Mike in 1992. Fiona now cycles competitively and works as a
recruitment consultant.
TESTIMONIALS
"Once again your session has been hailed as one of the major highlights
of our international conference. Many have said how truly honoured and
humbled they felt to share in your experiences".
MARKETING MANAGER, RAINBOW INTERNATIONAL CARPETS
"Thanks for the talk you gave at ’Innovate’, a large number of
participants commentated on how inspirational they found your talk, and
how good it was to have someone from outside of the organisation to talk
to us. You motivated and enthused us."
CHAIRMAN, THE INNOVATE PLANNING TEAM
"I cannot thank you enough for taking the time and effort to give us
your presentation, it will leave us with a slice of your experiences for
ever".
J. ROTHSCHILD ASSURANCE
"I would like to express our thanks for your time on what was a
fascinating topic, made more interesting by your high standards of
presentation".
THE INSTITUTE OF CLAY TECHNOLOGY
"Sincere thanks for your superb presentation at our Awards Ceremony. I
have received many favourable comments on your unique performance and
how your wonderful achievements were an inspiration to those present".
NORTH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE
"Many thanks for giving such an excellent presentation
to the Nottingham PA Network, I work with many professional public
speakers and listen to many presentations - yours was one of the most
entertaining and thought provoking I have heard in some time".
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, GREATER NOTTINGHAM TEC
"Thank you for your excellent presentation, everyone had a thoroughly
good time".
DIRECTOR, BROADWAY MEDIA CENTRE
"Sgt Thornewill gave the children a very valuable question and answer
session after a presentation which generated a great deal of enthusiasm
and interest. It is good for children to see members of the police force
as valuable and approachable people who are there to help and support."
HEADTEACHER, STURTON LE STEEPLE PRIMARY SCHOOL |
