Veronica Shaw is looking for sponsorship to take part in the Antarctic expedition (30558)A MOTHER-OF-FIVE is to trek to the South Pole to complete one of the world's most famous unfinished journeys.

Tesco worker Veronica Shaw, 46, will be completing the expedition started by explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1907 to reach the South Pole.

Shackleton was forced to abandon his attempt to be the first to reach the pole with 97 miles to go and Mrs Shaw, of Canal Road, Trowbridge, will be braving the freezing temperatures to finish what he started.

She said: "I am looking forward to every single aspect of the trip. I have read every book I can get my hands on.

"I know it will be hard and freezing but I am so excited about the challenge.

"I really want to show people that someone like me, a local working mum, can rise to the challenge and that if they have a dream they can achieve it if they really want to."

Mrs Shaw, who moved to the UK 30 years ago from her native Australia, became interested in Shackleton five years ago and has wanted to complete his unfinished journey ever since.

She said: "I bought a book for my husband about Shackleton and read it myself and then started reading everything I could find to do with it. It became a bit of a passion."

She got in touch with Fiona Thornwell, who became the first British woman to reach the South Pole in 2002, and her husband Mike. The couple have led several expeditions to both the north and south poles.

When they told Mrs Shaw they were planning on leading a team on the unfinished journey to mark the centenary of Shackleton's effort in 2007, she was determined to join them and raise money for charity at the same time.

Just to take part in the expedition will cost £25,000 and Mrs Shaw is now embarking on a mammoth fundraising effort, to meet that target and to raise funds for children's cancer charity Clic Sargent and Breast Cancer Care.

"I have never done anything like this before. Raising the money is a challenge in itself," she said.

Mrs Shaw has the support of several schools in Trowbridge, including Staverton Primary School and The John of Gaunt School, and will be talking with pupils about Shackleton and about her own experiences.

Mrs Shaw will be working hard to get ready for the trip, following a special training programme provided by the experienced leaders.

"For the next year I have to work on my fitness and strength. I will be walking along the canal path pulling tyres behind me to simulate the weight I'll be pulling," she said.

"I will feel a bit silly but if you really want to do something you will do whatever you can to prepare for it."

The trip will be high profile and Mrs Shaw is looking for businesses to get involved and sponsor her.

Anyone who wants to learn more can contact her on (01225) 751572.