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Polar trekker delays North Pole challenge

Preet Chandi Capt Chandi in a hat and a big red coat in the South Pole.Preet Chandi
Capt Chandi said without without the necessary funding, the journey was not yet possible

A former Army physiotherapist has postponed the "insanely hard" challenge of becoming the first woman to travel solo and unsupported to the North Pole.

Harpreet Chandi MBE, who is nicknamed Polar Preet had hoped to set off in March from Ellesmere Island, Canada, for the trek of just under 500 miles on shifting sea ice.

But the 36-year-old adventurer, from Sinfin in Derby, said she would have to delay the expedition for 12 months.

"I wanted so badly to set off for the North Pole this year, but without the necessary funding, it just isn't possible," she said.

Capt Chandi earned two Guinness World Records after a 922-mile (1,485km) trek across the Antarctic in 2023.

In that trip, she not only surpassed the world record for the longest polar ski expedition by a woman, but also the overall record.

Preet Chandi Capt Chandi in the South Pole - is wearing a big orange coatPreet Chandi
Capt Chandi, nicknamed Polar Preet, became the first Asian woman to complete a solo trek to the South Pole in 2022

Capt Chandi announced at Christmas from her training base in the Antarctic that she hoped to complete a feat only successfully undertaken by Norway's Borge Ousland in 1994 and Britain's Pen Hadow in 2003.

"At first, I felt disappointed, but then I reminded myself, this gives me an extra year to train, prepare, and secure the support I need," she said.

"This expedition is incredibly expensive, with costs covering aircraft drop-off, pick-up, and search and rescue. The journey can be dangerous, and having proper safety measures in place is essential.

"These costs are vital for my safety on the ice, and I wouldn't attempt the expedition without them.

"It will be the hardest challenge I've ever taken on, and the odds of success are slim. But I know one thing for sure, I can't fail unless I try."

Capt Chandi said she was "determined, resilient" and vowed not to give up.

Preet Chandi Capt Chandi in the South Pole. She is wearing a big read coat and is on skis. She is stood next to a sign which reads 'geographical South Pole'.Preet Chandi
Capt Chandi also set the female speed record from the Hercules Inlet on the Ronne Ice Shelf to the South Pole on her third expedition, covering 700 miles over 31 days

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