About Ann

A record-breaking polar explorer and a renowned international speaker, Ann Daniels is the first woman in history, along with expedition teammate Caroline Hamilton, to reach the North and South Poles as part of all women teams.

In 2009, Ann was asked by Pen Hadow to be his head of ice operations for the ground-breaking Catlin Arctic Survey. This project completed a unique environmental study of the rapidly disappearing frozen Arctic Ocean. Ann was responsible for leading the team on the ice and finding a safe route, making difficult decisions in the most extreme environment on Earth for 74 consecutive days.

Described by the Times as “living proof that humans really can reach new peaks”, Ann’s initial experience of the polar world was as a key member of a relay expedition to the North Pole in 1997. She was selected from hundreds of applicants to join the first team, which was tasked with crossing the toughest sections of ice in the coldest weather that any of the five relay groups experienced.

Fired up by her experiences in temperatures cold enough to freeze skin instantly, Ann and four colleagues from the relay went on to organise and accomplish a 700 mile expedition across Antarctica to the South Pole.

A couple of years after that stunning achievement, Ann invited two friends from the South Pole team to join her on a return expedition to the North Pole. This time there would be no relay: the trio would cover the entire distance on their own.

Sadly, Pom Oliver had to be evacuated part-way through the expedition, leaving Ann and Caroline to reach the Pole and achieve their Guinness world record on June 1st 2002.

Ann speaks at conferences and events on the subjects of leadership, teamwork and the environment. She is also a Director of The Corporate Athlete. Ann is Britain’s first female polar guide, and has led groups of men and women on last degree expeditions to the North Pole.

Ann supports a number of charities including the World Wildlife Fund, Cancer Research UK, and the Cornwall Rescue Group. A proud representative of the Special Olympics, Ann has also been a baton holder for the Commonwealth Games. She is a recipient of the prestigious Pride of Britain Award.

Ann lives in Devon with her partner and four children. She is currently planning her next polar expedition.