Pioneering physiotherapist Harpreet or Preet Chandi’s has set herself an objective that would make most people’s ambitious New Year resolutions pale into insignificance.
She is seeking donations from people to help her fulfil her aim of becoming the first woman to travel on her own to the North Pole. Her GoFundMe account had accrued more than £5,000 by 2 January and has a top limit of £1 million.
During the past three years, Preet – who has often been referred to as ‘Polar Preet’ and is a former Army captain – completed three solo expeditions in Antarctica, gaining four Guinness World Records.
GoGundMe page
On her GoFundMe page, she says: ‘Four years ago, I did not know much about Antarctica and that is what inspired me to go there. Hopefully doing something that pushed me so far out of my comfort zone would inspire others to believe in themselves and push their boundaries.
‘Now I’m aiming to go North, as far as I can towards the North Pole, starting from Canada. The journey is less than 500 miles but I will be on sea ice which is moving making it even more dangerous.
If she achieves her ambition, Harpreet will have to cross sections of open water, climb over rough ice and deal with temperatures of -50C.
Only a ‘slim chance’ of success
Preet notes: ‘Currently no female has travelled solo to the North Pole. There is a slim chance that I will actually make it to the North Pole – but wouldn’t it be incredible if I did!
‘I believe it is important to push ourselves outside of our comfort zone and try, even if there is a high chance of failure. I hope to inspire others to try something even if it’s difficult to reach the end.’
‘I’m not conquering anything, I’m attempting something that we don’t know is even possible. But those that know me know that I will give it my all and leave nothing on the table.’
Preet she will be very grateful for any donations, adding: ‘I would love for you to be part of this journey. I don’t want to just break the glass ceiling, I want to smash it into a million pieces.
‘I was told no on so many occasions, called stubborn or rebellious because I wanted to do things that were out of the norm and push my boundaries. I want to encourage others to push their boundaries, it is amazing how much your world opens up when you start to do so. ‘
World records
Preet became the first woman of colour to complete a solo expedition in Antarctica in 2022 (702 miles in 40 days). In 2023, she completed the longest solo unsupported one-way polar ski journey for a female and overall (922 miles in 70 days). In December 2023, she celebrated gaining the female speed record from Hercules Inlet, South Pole (702 miles in 31 days, 13 hours and 19 minutes).
Preet, who hails from Derby, studied physiotherapy at St George’s, university of London and went on to gain an MSc in sports and exercise medicine.
Donate at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/next-expedition
