Memorably described by one journalist as “a cross between Tinkerbell and the Terminator,” Rosie’s appearance belies the inner strength that has so successfully propelled her to previous polar success. A diminutive 5’3,” Rosie Stancer is not built in the image of Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen. Her achievements are testimony to the fact that dreams can be realised through skill, determination and courage.

An accomplished Polar athlete and explorer since 1996, Rosie has embarked on a series of major polar expeditions. In 2003 she skied solo and without resupply to the South Pole. Hauling a sledge more than twice her body weight for over 1000 km, she smashed previous speed records by 7 days, completing the extreme endurance challenge in 43 days 23 hours.

In 2007, journeying alone over the surface of the frozen Arctic Ocean for 84 days, Rosie travelled further than any previous attempts by women to reach the North Pole solo. She battled conditions now recognised as the worst on record. After suffering frostbite and gangrene in the first week, Rosie amputated two of her toes with her Leatherman in order to continue and after 426 nautical miles and only 89 nautical miles short of reaching her goal, Rosie had to subjugate her own ambitions for the safety of the pilots, who if picking her up later, would be risking their own lives landing on the fast disintegrating melting ice.

Later, when talking about the struggle, BBC presenter Paul Atterbury said “I stand in awe, “ Rosie replied: “I still stand.” adding “It was simply a choice of deciding whether to lose a few toes rather than risk losing a foot.”

It is this ferrous determination and experience that drives Rosie towards her challenges. By being seen to push the boundaries of endurance under extreme conditions, Rosie continues to encourage others to go beyond their own expectations.

Through her Scottish family connections, she is a cousin of Her late Majesty The Queen.

Rosie holds an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University of Essex from the department of Biological Sciences, researching into Sports Science and Environmental Biology.

She holds the Explorers Club Medal, The Mirror Pride of Britain medal and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and is Vice President of SES – Scientific Exploration Society.

Rosie is also proud to be a BRIT Ambassador for the British Inspirational Trust (BRIT) which supports young adult mental health and fitness in the UK through the delivery of the annual BRIT Challenge.

Images copyright © Martin Hartley. All rights reserved.