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Dentist celebrates end of Antarctic ski challenge

Cat Burford Cat Burford jumps for joy as she arrives at the South Pole. She is dressed in a red jacket with hood and dark trousers and mittens and is surrounded by flags including the Union Jack and a glass sphere on top of a red and white painted pole.Cat Burford
Cat Burford, pictured at the South Pole, said her 700-mile challenge across Antarctica had been "really brutal"

A dentist from Truro is celebrating reaching the South Pole unaided to realise a childhood ambition.

Cat Burford faced temperatures of -30C as she skied 700 miles (1,126km) across Antarctica to complete her challenge in 53 days.

"It's been really brutal. Originally I wanted to do it in 50 days," she said.

Despite its lack of snow, she said Cornwall was a perfect training ground for the expedition as the "ups and downs of the cliffs" and the sand had helped her prepare.

Cat Burford Surrounded by snow Cat Burford skis to a sign making the South Pole. She is dragging a sled with equipment covered by a red material, with the US Stars and Stripes flag just behind her.Cat Burford
Cat Burford pulled all her food, fuel and equipment behind her

She pulled all her food, fuel and equipment behind her and faced wind speeds of up to 60mph (100km/h), losing 10kg (22lb) throughout the course of the challenge.

However, she said her strength and rhythm improved over the expedition.

"I kind of found my feet halfway through," she said.

"I felt really good at the end. It's always good to feel that you've finished strong and that really helps you feel that it's been successful."

A smiling Cat Burford looks straight at the camera for an interview with the BBC. She is dressed in a dark baseball cap and striped top and is sitting in a yellow tent.
She celebrated with fish and chips when she reached camp at Union Glacier

Her fascination with Antarctica was inspired by her geography teacher Allison Taylor, she said.

"Her enthusiasm really sparked that in my mind," she said.

"I really wanted to do this in her honour. I can't tell you how many times I drew on that energy when it was tough.

"It also made me realise how just one word or something you say that might seem insignificant might have an impact on someone else.

"Don't underestimate the power of what you can do for others."

'Treated like royalty'

She took videos of family and friends to help her cope with the solitude in the vast open spaces of Antarctica.

"It's so huge and you realise how small you are - that can be overwhelming and a bit daunting," she said.

"It's mentally the one thing that you really can't train for."

Speaking from a tent at Union Glacier in Antarctica at the end of her challenge, she said she was delighted to enjoy creature comforts.

"Coming back it's like being treated like royalty because I've got a tent with a bed," she said.

"It was the best feeling to know that I wouldn't have to be putting up my tent again after 53 days, after putting it up and taking it down every day."

She also celebrated with fish and chips.

"I've been spoilt," she added.

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