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Fiona Thornewill from Nottinghamshire on her way to the South Pole dragging a 300-pound sledge

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Mrs Thornewill arrived at the South Pole in 42 days - smashing the previous record for a solo, unaided walk by eight days

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Mrs Thornewill waited for 18 days at the pole for her husband Mike, who was walking on another route with five novices

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Mrs Thornewill says she was so emotional when she arrived at the pole that tears poured down her cheeks

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Mrs Thornewill was finally joined at the South Pole by her husband and four other polar adventurers - one person had to be airlifted out

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Mrs Thornewill was sent a message of congratulations by Prince Charles when she returned to England