Posted on October, 22 2003

New York, US - World record-breaking helicopter pilots Jennifer Murray and Colin Bodill have taken off from New York on the first leg of their historic helicopter journey. They're attempting to do what no man or woman has ever done before — fly a helicopter around the Americas via the North and South Poles. Their aims are to succeed in this unique challenge, raise awareness and funds for WWF, and celebrate 100 years of flight. Jennifer Murray, who set the record for the fastest female solo helicopter flight around the world in 2000, together with co-pilot Colin Bodill, will fly down the east coast of the US, through Central and Southern America, and down to the South Pole, where they anticipate landing on 17 December — 100 years to the day that the Wright brothers first took to the skies. They will then head up to the North Pole via the west coast of the Americas and Canada and finally back down to New York. Jennifer and Colin will make over 160 stops on the journey, in many locations highlighting WWF's work. As part of the expedition, their cherry-red Bell 407 helicopter will fly scientists to key conservation sites, undertake mapping and zoning of uncharted territory, track illegal destruction of natural resources, and follow endangered species. While Jennifer and Colin make their way south, Jennifer’s husband, businessman Simon Murray and explorer, Pen Haddow, will set off on a separate expedition to walk 850 miles unsupported overland to the South Pole. At the age of 63, Simon will be the oldest man to walk this route unsupported. Jennifer and Simon are set to rendezvous near the South Pole just before Christmas 2003. “This is the ultimate helicopter challenge but it also gives us the chance to help and promote the WWF in their vital work, with the added bonus of meeting up with my husband somewhere in the vastness of Antarctica,” says Jennifer Murray. Members of the public have the opportunity to join the pilots at the pole. By registering for “Get your print @ the poles”, schools, classes and individuals can submit their name or a short message to be printed on the POLAR FIRST flag, which the pilots will fly at the Poles. The target is 500,000 names. Five per cent of each entry will go towards helping the valuable work of WWF. Entries can be made online at www.polarfirst.com. POLAR FIRST is a carbon-neutral expedition. All greenhouse gas CO2 emissions from the flight itself and any ancillary activities, which are estimated to be about 155 tons, will be offset by planting 250 trees in a sustainable social forestry project. For further information: Thomas Schultz-Jagow WWF International Tel.: +41 22 364 95 59 E-mail: tschultzjagow@wwfint.org