A Woman’s Journey to the South Pole
704
Miles
53
Days
-50
Degrees
85
Kilograms
Meet Cat Burford
On 13 January, 2025, Cat Burford reached the South Pole following a gruelling 53-day and 704-mile journey skiing solo and unsupported across the Antarctic wilderness. Throughout her incredible journey, Cat carried her own food, fuel and equipment in a pulk weighing approximately 85kg, and faced extreme harsh weather.
Cat’s expedition marks a significant milestone as she became the 13th woman to accomplish this remarkable feat, following in the footsteps of the trailblazing female explorers who have previously braved this daunting journey.
Empowering women through exploration
Cat’s expedition was driven by a deeper purpose beyond personal achievement. Recognising the lack of research on women’s endurance capabilities, she has teamed up with the University of Exeter to study the physical toll of her 50-day trek. By shedding light on the unique challenges faced by women in extreme endurance activities, Cat’s journey will have contributed to existing research in this area.
Preparation for Cat’s South Pole expedition also revealed the inadequacy of existing polar gear for women, which could lead to risks in the extreme cold. Motivated to tackle this issue not only for herself but also for future female explorers, Cat has advocated for the development of specialised clothing designed for women, to ensure safety and comfort in the harsh -50 Celsius temperatures.
A meaningful collaboration
Launched in early 2024, our global ‘Being a woman shouldn’t be a risk’ campaign resonated deeply with Cat, aligning with her unwavering advocacy for women’s empowerment. We’re incredibly proud to partner with Cat as she embodies the values of courage, resilience, and empowerment that define our shared commitment to supporting women in their pursuit of extraordinary accomplishments.
Impressed by her resilience and Know You Can mindset, we were so proud to support this extraordinary expedition.
Reflecting on the partnership when reaching the South Pole, Cat shared: “There’s a power to being underestimated and always having to prove yourself. Sometimes it makes a big difference when people don’t question it and believe in you as much as you do.” She expressed her gratitude for AXA’s support from the very start of her journey, allowing her to pursue her goal with confidence.
Follow the journey
Due to her day job as a dentist, Cat has humorously dubbed herself "The Molar Explorer," but her upcoming journey is anything but a lighthearted endeavour. Despite the playful nickname, the polar expedition she is about to undertake is a remarkable test of skill, determination, and resilience.
You can follow Cat’s South Pole journey in real time through an interactive map and voice note updates given by satellite phone on her social media channels or on her website.
Follow Cat to enter:
Cat’s website
