Wharfer heading to Pole

Pauline, who works for property company Chainbow, is making the arduous trip across the Canadian ice next April to support children's charity Sparks.

She said: "I turned 50 this year and I felt it was time to give something back to the world and do something amazing at the same time. I can't wait to be sitting at the top of the world.

"I saw a flyer for this trip and decided to apply earlier in the year. The selection process was tough, and top secret, but I made it through and I can't wait to get going."

Before she steps foot on the Arctic ice Pauline is undergoing rigorous training to make sure she is fit for the journey.

She said: "My fitness was terrible. The limit of my exercise regime was to go out and buy handbags, but that's all changed. Apart from abseiling and climbing we've also been pulling tyres to recreate the 12-stone sleds we'll have to drag to the Pole. I've never been so fit."

Pauline admitted her last camping experience was when she was 16. But she and the team are being advised by one of the best in the business, veteran Arctic explorer Jim McNeill and his company Ice Warrior Expeditions, and she knows it won't be a holiday.

She said: "There are a lot of dangers, including frostbite, temperatures of minus 50 degrees, ice mountains and polar bears.

"We're taking guns with us in case we look to be in danger of becoming a bear's breakfast. Hopefully we won't need to use them."

It should take the team a month to reach the Pole. Once there they will help with scientific experiments, including measuring ice depths and recording polar bear movements.

With plenty of cold-weather training lined up, including two weeks in Norway in January, they should be fully prepared.

But they face another major challenge before heading to Canada at the end of March - raising the £100,000 needed for the trip. Pauline hopes Wharf companies might brave the chilly economic climate to lend some financial support.

"It would be fantastic to get some more corporate sponsorship," she said. "It's a chance to see your company logo at the top of the world with plenty of publicity guaranteed. And Sparks is a great charity to support."

As part of her fundraising Pauline is holding a quiz night at Davy's Wine Bar in Fishermans Walk on October 29.

"I'd love lots of Wharfers to join in," she said. "It'll be a really fun evening, and a lot warmer than a month in the Arctic."

For more information contact Pauline on 07860 710 501 or at paulinesoutham@chainbow.com.