IT IS the final countdown for Cromhall’s very own explorer as she prepares to embark on her biggest challenge yet.

On Friday, November 18, Hazel Richards will be undertaking the 111-mile trek to the South Pole for charity and spend a total of 15 days on the ice.

An adventurer at heart, she took part in a five-day trek across the Arctic Circle last year and experienced temperatures of minus 20. But this is nothing compared to what looms ahead.

Climbing four glaciers in minus 40 weather and pulling her own sledge of supplies weighing 25 kg are only some of the obstacles she will have to overcome on the expedition.

The 51-year-old, who has been training since July, said: "The Arctic was hard work but this will be harder. It’s a major challenge. I don’t think you can get more difficult than the South Pole."

Hazel and her nine team members will be led by famous explorer David Hempleman-Adams, OBE. The expedition was officially launched at Buckingham Palace last Thursday.

Surprisingly, the daunting trek on ice or harsh conditions do not scare the spirited financial planner. She is only concerned about the ‘overground’ part of the trip.

She added: "If there is something that I am a little frightened of, it will be the Russian Twin Otter. It’s a plane that lands on ice.

"That’s the bit I’m not looking forward to. I might have my head buried in my knees for that part."

With her kit now complete - except for one small hiccup - she is more than ready to go.

"I couldn’t get a female expedition jacket because they don’t make them. I had to get a male one.

"I love skiing and I love the mountains. You feel as if you were the only person on the planet when you are in the middle of nowhere. It's an amazing feeling."

Hazel is raising money for three local charities: Acorns Children’s Hospice, The Mitchemp Trust, which enables vulnerable young people to enjoy outdoor activities, St Peter’s Hospice and The Eve Appeal, which raises funds to develop effective methods to predict, detect and treat gynecological cancer.

She rallied the support of local companies to help pay for the challenge. Her sponsors include Bailey Balloons, Johnson Fleming, Four Pillars Hotel at Tortworth Court and legal expenses insurance company DAS.

To sponsor Hazel email hdlrichards@gmail.com or for more information visit hazelrichards.com