THE Ice Maidens, the British Army soldiers who became the first all-female expedition to trek across Antarctica on foot, received the President’s Award at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) dinner last night.
Paul Kehoe, the former chief executive of Birmingham International Airport, presented the award to Major Sandy Hennis, from Redditch, who represented the Ice Maidens at the ceremony at the International Convention Centre.
Other members of the group who completed the feat on January 20, were Major Nicola Wetherill, Major Natalie Taylor, Captain Zanna Baker, Lieutenant Jenni Stephenson and Lance Sergeant Sophie Montagne, who, like Sandy, is a Reservist.
Mr Kehoe said: “This was such a remarkable achievement it did not take too long for me to decide the Ice Maidens were deserved winners.
“I’m delighted that Sandy was able to be with us to receive the award personally on behalf of the other Ice Maidens.
Sandy is a Reservist officer with 37 Signal Regiment based in Redditch and works in an employer support role.
She said: “Army reservists have much to offer, they are highly motivated self-disciplined individuals who receive training in decision-making, teamwork, leadership and communications – all transferable skills which directly benefit business.
“With opportunities to develop and challenge themselves, Army Reservists get the most out of life, whilst giving back to society and feeling part of something worthwhile.”
The six “Ice Maidens” battled their way across icy plains in 60mph winds and temperatures as low as -40C, using only skis and their own muscle power to drag sledges of equipment weighing up to 176lb each.
They started their journey on the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf on November 20 last year and then climbed the Transantarctic Mountains, via the Leverett Glacier, to reach the polar plateau.
After a re-supply at the South Pole, the team turned north-west towards Hercules Inlet, skiing 600km and spending Christmas Day on the ice before reaching their final re-supply point at the base of the Thiel Mountains. From there, they descended to the Hercules Inlet and the finish line.
