FIONA & MIKE THORNEWILL
Curriculum Vitae
Fiona Thornewill.
Women of the Poles - interview
Education:
- 1971-1977: Lowes Wong Junior School, Southwell.
- 1977-1982: Rodney School, Kirklington. (9 O-levels). Participated in gymnastics, cross-country running and ice-skating and was a Girl Guide. Happy childhood - enjoyed school years. Influential moment: Told at School: “All you are interested in is boys, lipstick and parties” and “You’ll be good for reception work.”
Post Education:
- 1983-1989: Tried reception work - but held the belief: “I can do more.”
- 1985 - Qualified as glider pilot at RAF Newton.
- 1990-1995: Opened own ladies gym in Newark.
- 1991: William (husband) tragically killed in road accident.
- 1992: Introduced to the great outdoors by Mike Thornewill.
- 1995: Began new career in recruitment.
- 1997: Re-married to Mike Thornewill.
- 1997: Inspired at Royal Geographical Society London to attempt a Polar expedition to Spitzbergen in 1998.
- 1999-2008: Numerous polar expeditions.
Main current employment:
- Recruitment consultant at ‘Harpers’ of Nottingham. Part-time employment:
- Motivational speaking - polar guiding.
Interests:
- Running, cycling, travel, sailing, house building, people & charity work.
Records held:
- 4/1/2000: 1st British woman to ski - Geographic South Pole.*
- 5/5/2001: 1st British woman to ski - Geographic North Pole.*
- 5/5/2001: 1st Woman to ski - both Geographic Poles.*
- 5/5/2001: Fastest woman to ski - Geographic North Pole in 55 days.*
- 10/1/2004: 1st British woman to ski solo & unsupported - Geographic South Pole.
- 10/1/2004: Fastest (man or woman) to ski - Geographic South Pole - unsupported in 41 days 8 hours 14 minutes.
- *Record held jointly with Ms. Catharine Hartley.
Awards:
- 2000: Pride of Britain
- 2001: R.A.D.A.R - People of the Year
- 2004: European Woman of Achievement
- 2004: Royal Institute of Navigation - Achievement Award
- 2004: Explorers Web - Best expedition of 2004
- 2004: Midlander Of The Year
- 2005: MBE
- 2008: The Explorer Award (Explorers Society Poland)
- 2011: Nottingham Woman of Substance
Mike Thornewill:
Education:
- 1968-71: Calverton Road Infants - Arnold.
- 1971-1974: Woodborough Woods Junior - Woodborough.
- 1974-1979: Colonel Frank Seely Comprehensive Calverton (8 O-levels). Participated in running, athletics and Judo to Green belt. Introduced to great outdoors by school, later joined Air Training Corps and achieved rank of Sergeant.
Influential moments:
- 1. Told by sports teacher: “We can’t all be good at everything, but we can all be good at something.”
- 2. Inspired by father reciting bedtime story of Captain Scott.
Post Education:
- 1979-1981: Nottinghamshire Police Cadets - Epperstone Manor.
- 1981: Joined police service.
- 1981: Rock/ice climbing becomes dominant interest to extreme grades.
- 1982: Achieved Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
- 1983: Father tragically dies from Cancer age 45.
- 1983: London marathon 2hr 50 min.
- 1984: First British Ironman triathlon: 11hr 45 min.
- 1985: Operation Raleigh - team Zebu 3 (sailed Pacific Ocean).
- 1985-1995: Numerous climbing trips to Alps/USA/Australia.
- 1992: Met Fiona Shepley - married in 97.
- 1997: Friend & climbing partner: Alex Hibbert dies from Leukaemia age 32. This promoted interest in fundraising for Alex’s cause by way of undertaking a polar expedition with Fiona to Spitzbergen in 1998.
- 1999-2008: Numerous polar expeditons.
Part time employment:
- Motivational speaking - polar guiding.
Interests:
- Running, cycling, climbing, travel, sailing, motor sport and socialising.
Polar data for the record:
- 2000: 86th person (7th Britain) to ski to South Pole - without dogs/vehicles.
- 2001: 117th person (8th Britain) to ski to North Pole - without dogs/vehicles.
- 2001: 3rd Britain to ski to both Poles.
- 2001: 31st person to travel both Poles - surface travel using any means.
- 2016: Has amassed 427 days experience in the Arctic and Antarctic, spread over 30 expeditions.
Charity fundraising from Fiona and Mike's expeditions:
- Total at year end 2016: £346,723.00