As a tent we decided to get up 30 minutes before everyone else, at 5:30, so we could be ready to go at call time. The logistics of having to boil 6L of water for 3 people and get ready in a relatively small space can be quite time-consuming, especially when your hands are frozen like mine were. In fact, Andrea, my tent mate had to lace up my boots and button my trousers because I couldn’t feel my fingers.

The final descent was bittersweet. I was fantasizing about the long hot bath I was going to have back at the hotel in Oslo but also already missing being out on the plateau.

As we skied into our pickup area a sense of wonder, elation and pride swept over me. I hadn’t survived but thrived! I had managed to go from a bed bound Lyme Disease sufferer to a bona fide explorer. I had proved that my body could handle the demands of an expedition without fatiguing and for a chronic Lyme sufferer that is a MIRACLE!

I want to thank my personal trainer Josh for getting me fighting fit and in shape for the expedition. I first met Josh in 2017 when I first started training again after being diagnosed with Lyme Disease and loved his training style. We reconnected last December and worked out a tough 6-week plan that successfully prepared me for the physicality of the expedition.

I also want to thank the ultra-cool and amazing Helen Turton from Expeditions for organizing such a marvellousexpedition and for all her adviser, tuition, patience, and care. I’m so looking forward to training with her again and putting together a plan that will get me to the South Pole safely.

A massive shout out also goes to Danielle from the Surrey Massage Clinic for the pre, and post expedition tailored massages. Her expert hands helped make my recovery a doddle!