Schoolgirl Amelia Hempleman-Adams Set To Become Youngest Person To Ski Antarctic

Schoolgirl To Follow In Adventurer Father's Footsteps And Become Youngest Person To Ski Antarctic
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A teenage schoolgirl is hoping to follow in the footsteps of her daredevil father by conquering the South Pole.

Amelia Hempleman-Adams - daughter of adventurer David - will become the youngest person to ski to the Antarctic if she completes her feat.

The 16-year-old, who is currently studying for four AS levels, will be literally following in her father's footsteps by joining him on an expedition to ski to the South Pole.

Wiltshire-based Mr Hempleman-Adams, who was the first Briton to reach the South Pole solo and unsupported, is leading the Nimrod expedition.

The two-week challenge will start at the point where Shackleton had to turn back and they will ski the last 97 miles to the South Pole.

Amelia, who attends Prior Park College in Bath, will need to consume 8,000 calories a day to deal with the physical challenge of battling the elements.

The Antarctic is one of the highest, coldest, driest windswept places on earth, making it one of the world's last frontiers - a holy grail for even hardened explorers.

Amelia said: "I am frightened about the harsh conditions as I don't know what to expect, the cold, the wind. I am not sure if I'll be able to sleep as it is 24 hours' daylight at the South Pole and dad is a terrible snorer. However, eating a lot of chocolate won't be hard for me."

Her father added: "I am apprehensive about taking a teenager to such a harsh environment. It will be minus 30 on a daily basis, dropping as low as minus 60 with the wind chill. But Shackleton has always been a hero of mine and it will be wonderful to walk in his footsteps. It will be very special to share this experience with my youngest daughter."

Father and daughter will leave the UK on November 18 and fly to Chile. They will then transfer to Union Glacier camp in the Antarctic to acclimatise and receive last-minute advice from experts. After around 14 days on the ice, which includes a visit to the Amundsen/Scott Research Station, they will return to the Union Glacier Camp. They are expected back in the UK on December 11.