NO obstacle, not even frostbite, could have stopped explorer Hazel Richards from fulfilling a life-long dream of reaching the South Pole.

Hazel, a magistrate from Gloucestershire, loves a challenge. An accomplished downhill skier and hot air balloonist, Hazel has also completed two cross country ski marathons and a 62km trek to the Arctic Circle pulling a sledge over four glaciers.

When Hazel decided to embark on this epic challenge with a nine strong team led by world famous explorer, David Hempleman-Adams, she decided to use the opportunity to raise funds for The Eve Appeal. Says Hazel, "The Eve Appeal is deeply personal to me having had a major ovarian cyst operation at the age of 35 and enduring endometriosis for over 17 years.  I have suffered a number of ovarian cysts since then, and even skied at the South Pole with an ovarian cyst which was fortunately discovered to be benign in July last year."

When Hazel, 51, set off for the 111 mile trek before Christmas, she did not expect the journey to be smooth. But what she really did not expect was to be sent back to Camp after six days due to respiratory problems. "I had shortness of breath, bronchitis, and got frostbite in my nose," said Hazel. "I got so close and had to come back to the Camp, but I carried on. Most people would have just gone back. My goal was to get to the geographic centre of the South Pole.

"It was amazing finally getting to the South Pole. There is absolutely nothing - no animals, no vegetation, nothing except a research centre - and now there's an Eve Appeal vest as well!"

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for further information

Liz Engel, Press Office, The Eve Appeal

Tel: 020 7299 4430/07812 150832

email Liz

The full release can be found here.