AN EXPLORER from Salisbury has received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Winchester in recognition of her polar achievements.
Wendy Searle is just the seventh woman to ski solo to the South Pole and is a motivational speaker on adventure and mental resilience.
She received the honour at a ceremony at Winchester Cathedral on Wednesday, November 15 and told the graduates in her speech, ‘Curiosity about the world counts as exploration in my book’.
Wendy who led a relatively ordinary life until 2015 told the audience who are about to enter a new phase in their lives to 'find, and fix upon, a purpose.'
She said: “Your purpose is your map and compass to help you through life’s journey.”
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Now a keen runner and skydiver, Wendy has four children and a full-time office job. She decided to undertake the unsupported journey from the coastline of Antarctica to the geographic South Pole after meeting a team going on expedition to Antarctica.
Since her successful polar visit, Wendy has raised funds and awareness for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) The Soldiers’ Charity and the Youth Adventure Trust and has worked with psychologists and cold-weather experts to advance both domestic and expedition medical science.
Wendy is now a full-time speechwriter for the head of the British Army and guides polar expeditions for Shackleton London.
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