History-making soldier inspires the next generation in Loughborough

Intrepid explorer Captain Preet Chandi inspired public service students at Loughborough College when she came to campus to talk about her historic solo trek to the South Pole.

‘Captain Preet’, a British Army medical officer, made national headlines earlier this year when she completed a solo expedition across Antarctica on 3rd January 2022.

More than 100 learners on the College’s Public Service programme spent an hour in the company of Captain Preet on Wednesday (16th March 2022) – learning about her preparation, her mindset, overcoming challenges, and her elation at completing her goal.

Tim Turner, Public Services Curriculum Manager, said: “We were so thrilled to secure Captain Preet to come and talk with our students about her extraordinary experience.

“Our students got phenomenal insight into the physical, mental and emotional preparation needed to overcome any challenge, but especially a challenge that relies solely on your determination to achieve your goal in one of the most inhospitable places on earth.

“Captain Preet was amazing and the audience asked many questions. The students can now relate their own expedition and Duke of Edinburgh experience to her adventure and take a lot of Captain Preet’s advice into their next challenge.”

Student Charlotte Heathcote said: “Captain Preet made me feel that nothing can stop me from achieving the things I want to achieve if I try hard enough.”

Her classmate Millie Goulding said: “Hearing Preet talk about her journey, from first camping at 19 years old to being the first female of colour to complete a solo expedition to the South Pole, was very inspirational. By discussing her journey, she showed and made me feel that I could do anything I put my mind to.”

Captain Preet set out on her solo expedition on 7 November 2021, departing from Antarctica’s Hercules Inlet. Her journey to the South Pole involved travelling a distance of 700 miles, pulling a sled weighing 200 pounds, carrying 48 days’ worth of food and supplies.

She completed her journey in 40 days, 7 hours and 3 minutes, making her the third fastest solo woman to reach the South Pole unassisted.