Firefighters Rebecca Openshaw-Rowe from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Georgina Gilbert from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have completed their extraordinary Antarctic expedition.
Rebecca and Georgina – otherwise known as the Antarctic Fire Angels – embarked on their expedition at the beginning of November 2023 and reached their final destination on January 12th 2024. They have walked and skied over 1,200km in 52 days, from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole – the equivalent of 29 marathons!
(Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)
(Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)
(Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)
A spokesperson for Mid and West Fire and Rescue Service said: “The Antarctic Fire Angels are the first people ever to complete their chosen route and their expedition was entirely unguided and unassisted, whilst pulling their own supply and equipment sleds – each weighing over 100kg. In addition to covering this incredible distance, they have had to endure the extreme conditions of the coldest place on Earth – with temperatures reaching as low as -30°C and wind speeds of up to 60mph.
“Their expedition took over four years of careful planning and training, and one of the principal aims was to challenge gender stereotypes and to inspire future generations of women.
“Rebecca and Georgina are fantastic role models for women and girls to pursue a career in whichever field they choose and have provided advice and support to women undergoing the firefighter recruitment process.
“Everyone at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service congratulates Rebecca and Georgina on their incredible achievement.”
The Antarctic Fire Angels have also been raising important funds for The Fire Fighters Charity – which provides lifelong support for serving and retired members of the UK’s fire and rescue services – and their JustGiving page is still accepting donations.
You can look back at the Antarctic Fire Angels’ journey via their tracking page, which gives an overview of their route to the South Pole along with video blogs they recorded along the way.
(Lead image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)
Discover more from Swansea Bay News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
