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Ann Daniels - World record breaking polar explorer Explorers Ann Daniels and Pen Hadow, along with photographer Martin Hartley have recently returned from a major international scientific endeavour to determine how long there will be a permanent ice-cap at the North Pole. The ‘Vanco Arctic Survey’ sought to capture the most detailed and accurate data ever recorded of its thickness and enable scientists to predict more precisely than ever before when the North Pole ice cap will cease to be a year round global feature. Setting out in February 2009, the Vanco Arctic Survey team, supported by world renowned scientists, undertook a 100 day, 1000km crossing of the ice cap in temperatures as low as minus 50ºC. The survey team departed from Point Barrow, Alaska, pulling ‘sledgeboats’, and on occasions even swimming across stretches of open water, reaching the North Geographic Pole in June. Current predictions for the melting of the ice cap vary wildly, from 100 to just 16 years from now. The disappearance of the permanent ice cap will cause accelerated climate change, rising sea levels, and even geo-political conflicts over resources which will affect almost every region of the world. The team’s conclusions will assist governments throughout the world to prepare for the consequences of its meltdown … Ann is one of the world’s leading female polar explorers, and was part of the first British all women’s team to walk to the South Pole and the first all women’s team in the world to walk to both poles. Combining her professional career as an explorer and motivational speaker with looking after her 13 year old triplets and four year old daughter, there is no doubt she is an ordinary woman who has achieved the extraordinary. Talks Ann has given presentations to many different sectors, from the corporate world (including major companies such as CISCO, Nat West and Vodafone) through to schools and societies. She has been showered with honours and awards including ‘Women of the Year’, ‘Pride of Britain Award’ and has featured on Desert Island Discs. Her story is testament to what can be achieved through determination, perseverance and correct planning. She tailors every speech to her audience and illustrates the importance of teamwork, strong leadership, the correct attitude, setting goals, managing change, overcoming the odds and the importance of persistence. Leading the Way at -40 (New Talk for 2010) Ann Daniels is one of the world’s leading female polar explorers, and was part of the first British all women’s team to walk to the South Pole and the first all women’s team in the world to walk to both poles. In June this year, she returned from The Catlin Arctic Survey – an international collaboration between polar explorers and some of the world’s foremost scientific bodies. It sought to resolve one of the most important environmental questions of our time: How long will the Arctic Ocean's sea ice cover remain a permanent feature of our planet? In this gripping and enlightening talk, Ann recounts her latest expedition … On Top of The World In the year 2000 Ann and four other women travelled over 700 miles across Antarctica, the windiest, highest and most barren continent on earth, crossing yawning crevasses and dealing with sub zero temperatures to successfully reach the South Pole on foot. Following this Ann then took on the more dangerous and arduous North pole quest. Temperatures as low as -50º for the first 26 days severely hampered progress and success looked doubtful from the start. The women were hit by three storms, one so severe they were unable to erect their tent. They had to huddle together under the tent material for 3 days surviving with little food and water. They suffered frostbite, back problems and carbon monoxide poisoning and after 47 hazard filled days Pom Oliver had to be evacuated due to frostbite and wet gangrene. Despite these setbacks Ann and her fellow team mate Caroline Hamilton achieved their goal and reached the pole triumphantly. 'On Top of the World', is a compelling story of Ann's journey's across two of the most inhospitable terrains on earth and her role as part of the first all women's team to walk to both the North and South Poles. What others have said 'We thoroughly enjoyed Ann's visit to Monkton on Friday. Her talk was sparkling, she is an excellent communicator and has a very gripping story to tell.' David Bryson, Monkton Combe School, Bath