Ice Maiden Team To Break World Record in Antarctica

Five British soldiers aim to become the first all-female team to ski coast-to-coast across Antarctica.

In less than eight months, the Ice Maiden Expedition will walk for 1,700 kilometres (1,056 miles) using muscle-power alone.

The feat has not been attempted by a group of women before.

During their three-months journey, the Ice Maiden team will battle temperatures of minus 50C (minus 58F) and will carry their own supplies.

Despite more than 250 applications from the British Army or Army Reserve, only five women will undertake the mission in November. 

The aim is to encourage women to challenge themselves and to collect medical data that shows how the female body copes in polar environments. 

The seven who make up the team are:

:: Major Nics Wetherill, Royal Army Medical Corps. She is a trainee GP based in Portsmouth who studied at the University of Southampton.

:: Major Natalie Taylor, Royal Army Medical Corps. She is a regimental medical officer who works as a GP in Chepstow, Wales.

:: Lieutenant Zanna Baker, Royal Artillery. She is a training officer in the Royal Artillery.

:: Lieutenant Jenni Stephenson, Royal Artillery. She is a troop commander in the Royal Artillery based in Larkhill, Salisbury, who studied at Durham University.

:: Lance Corporal Rin Cobb, Royal Army Medical Crops. She is a combat medical technician from Guernsey, who also works as a dietician.

:: Major Sandy Hennis, Royal Signals. She is a reservist officer based in Redditch, Worcestershire.

:: Lance Sergeant Sophie Montagne, Honourable Artillery Company. She is a section commander at weekends, and works in marketing in central London during the week.

MORE: All Female Team Prepares For Antarctica