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A woman from Cromhall has raised money for St Peter’s Hospice by trekking to the South Pole.
Hazel Richards (51), embarked on her life-long dream of reaching the most southerly point on the planet in December last year and even frost bite on her nose didn’t prevent her from standing on the same spot as revered explorers such as Captain Scott and Roald Amundsen.
However the trip wasn’t all plain sailing for the chartered financial adviser who after six days into her adventure had to be sent back to the ANI Union Glacier Camp due to respiratory problems.
Finally, after a period recovering, Hazel then flew to rejoin her companions at the geographic centre of the South Pole at 90 00 S, 0 00 E, on the 6 December 2011.
Hazel said: “This was an amazing experience and to stand at the South Pole in such isolation allows you to really reflect on many things. This includes the work carried out by places like St Peter’s Hospice without which many people would find hard to cope in times of adversity.
“I also started thinking about what I would like to do next which includes the Engadin 42km Cross Country Ski Marathon in March and much later the North Pole but at the moment I’m just letting the fact that I’ve stood at the bottom of the world sink in.”
Jo Gibbons, Head of Fundraising from St Peter’s Hospice added: “It’s amazing the lengths some people will go to when raising funds for the hospice and we’d like to congratulate Hazel on her efforts. Her achievement is truly awe inspiring and to think she’s already planning her next adventure shows what can be achieved when you put your mind to it.”
Hazel was sponsored by local companies such as Bailey Balloons, Johnson Fleming, Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel and DAS legal, who all helped to support the expedition.
To donate or sponsor Hazel's future endeavours visit www.hazelrichards.com
Fundraising for St Peter's Hospice
Learn more about fundraising for St Peter's Hospice here