FIONA AND MIKE THORNEWILL
Fiona and Mike caught the imagination of the world's press as the non privileged, working couple from Nottinghamshire, who raised £68,000 to fund their record-breaking expedition, raised £100,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Fund and realised their dreams of being the first married couple to walk to both the South and North Poles.
On the 4th of January 2000 Fiona Thornewill and her teammate Catharine became The First British Women to walk to the South Pole, at the same time Fiona and Mike became the first married couple to do so as well! They also managed to renew their wedding vows on the famous landmark, making front-page news round the world.
On May 6th 2001, the same team arrived at the North Pole after walking for 56 days across the frozen Atlantic Ocean. The team planted a ski pole with a Union Jack and Canadian flag to mark their arrival. Once again they entered the record books, Fiona and Catherine becoming the first British Women to walk to both the North and South Poles. Despite severe Arctic weather, sometimes as cold as -50C, the quartet managed to cover more than 480 statute miles across the frozen Arctic Ocean.
Fiona Thornewill was born and raised in Northamptonshire where she soon proved herself a talented, young athlete. She was particularly gifted at netball, cross-country, 500 metres and high jump. When she left school she studied Hotel Management at college, married her first husband and became an administrator at RAF Newton. It was at RAF Newton that Fiona got her glider pilot's licence at just 23 years of age.
After leaving RAF Newton, she started her fitness centre in Newark and qualified as an instructor too. Tragically Fiona lost her first husband in a road accident but valiantly carried on managing her own business until meeting Mike in 1992. Fiona now cycles competitively and works as a recruitment consultant.
Mike Thornewill has been an active mountaineer for 20 years and is the holder of a gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. He is a competitive runner and cyclist having completed triathlons at the ‘Ironman’ distance. Over a curry one night, Fiona agreed to join Mike in his boyhood dream of crossing overland to the South Pole. Pushing themselves to the limits of endurance and their relationship! Despite a collapse of his knee Mike overcame terrible pain to reach his personal goal.
Fiona Thornewill and Catharine Hartley are the first British women to walk to both the North and South Poles, and to have ever reached both poles manhauling their own sledges of supplies.
Catharine Hartley and Fiona Thornewill have broken four records and Fiona and Mike Thornewill have broken three.
SELECTION OF REFERENCES
"Once again your session has been hailed as one of the major highlights of our international conference. Many have said how truly honoured and humbled they felt to share in your experiences".
MARKETING MANAGER, RAINBOW INTERNATIONAL CARPETS
"Thanks for the talk you gave at ’Innovate’, a large number of participants commentated on how inspirational they found your talk, and how good it was to have someone from outside of the organisation to talk to us. You Motivated and enthused us."
CHAIRMAN, THE INNOVATE PLANNING TEAM
"I cannot thank you enough for taking the time and effort to give us your presentation, it will leave us with a slice of your experiences for ever".
J. ROTHSCHILD ASSURANCE
"I would like to express our thanks for your time on what was a fascinating topic, made more interesting by your high standards of presentation".
THE INSTITUTE OF CLAY TECHNOLOGY
"Sincere thanks for your superb presentation at our Awards Ceremony. I have received many favourable comments on your unique performance and how your wonderful achievements were an inspiration to those present".
NORTH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COLLEGE
"Many thanks for giving such an excellent presentation to the Nottingham PA Network, I work with many professional public speakers and listen to many presentations-yours was one of the most entertaining and thought provoking I have hared in some time".
MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, GREATER NOTTINGHAM TEC
"Thank you for your excellent presentation, everyone had a thoroughly good time".
DIRECTOR, BROADWAY MEDIA CENTRE
"Sgt Thornewill gave the children a very valuable question and answer session after a presentation which generated a great deal of enthusiasm and interest. It is good for children to see members of the police force as valuable and approachable people who are there to help and support."
HEADTEACHER, STURTON LE STEEPLE PRIMARY SCHOOL
" A most interesting talk, we were all inspired by your commitment".
BRANCH SECRETARY N.A.C.M NOTTS & DERBY BRANCH
"This venture has captured the imagination of the British public and has made news headlines around the world. It demanded not only the highest level of physical strength and fitness, but also a great deal of determination and human courage".
TONY BLAIR, THE PRIME MINISTER
"Thank you both, for your presence at our Awards ceremony, everyone enjoyed your presentation".
REDHILL ROAD RUNNERS
"Thank you for being the guest speaker at our National Record of Achievement Presentation last night. Pupil, parents, staff and governors enjoyed your contribution and it raised many positive comments. I think it was a presentation which pupils could quite clearly see the point of and it was inspirational too."
COLONEL FRANK SEELY SCHOOL
"Good factual information on Antarctica was followed by moving personal accounts by both Fiona and Mike. The Ladies Luncheon audience was enthusiastic and tickets were sold out. In Mike and Fiona we have two determined enthusiasts who have a natural ability for sharing their exploits in an efficient, pleasing, relaxed and professional manner".
CHAIRMAN, M.M.A
"The broadcast was well received and made a very appropriate thinking point for our Good Friday programme. I shall be passing your details on to other companies as you were such good guests".
BBC RADIO NOTTINGHAM
"We are full of praise for this elegant and articulate couple who seem so in tune with each other".
TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD, NOTTINGHAM
"Your after dinner presentation was outstanding and greatly appreciated, an interesting story told with great touches of humour – both entertaining and inspiring".
NSPCC
"Fiona and Mike gave a really entertaining and educational presentation at our dinner, they were professional and charming – everyone enjoyed their epic tale and are full of admiration at the amount of money they have raised for charity".
MAPPERLEY ROTARY CLUB
"Fiona was full of energy and really launched our new sports club with total enthusiasm and genuine interest in all who attended. Her address was absolutely what the press wanted to hear".
TISBURY SPORTS CENTRE
Fiona did a wonderful job. The tenor of your speech was perfect for the occasion and the audience. It is our aim to raise awareness and aspirations of all our students and your words did just that.
DJANOLOGY CITY TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE
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e-mail: info@cunningham-management.co.uk
