Date:  Saturday 4th November 2006, 9.30am

Release:   Immediate

Emma Drew, Media Relations
+ 44 (0) 20 7225 2346
emma.drew@polarfirst.com

HELICOPTER PILOTS CONFIRM THEY WILL RE-ATTEMPT WORLD RECORD

Record-breaking helicopter pilots Jennifer Murray, 66,  and Colin Bodill, 55, have today confirmed that they will set off on December 5th 2006 to once again attempt setting a new world record for flying around the world via the South and North Poles.

The pilots’ decision follows their last attempt in 2003 when on December 20th, 58 days into their journey and two days after reaching the South Pole, they crashed in whiteout conditions on the Ronne Ice Shelf in Antarctica. Both pilots sustained serious injuries and their crash was reported by media around the globe. Many might have called it a day after such an experience but Jennifer, 66 years old, and Colin, 55 years old, are determined to re-attempt the challenge.

"We’ve always said we’ll have another go, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do – we’ve got unfinished business," Jennifer Murray says. "Happily many of our previous sponsors are as keen as we are to see this unique record re-attempted, so with their support, together with some new o¬nes, we’re hoping to complete the world record by May 2007.”

The pilots will take-off in their Bell 407 helicopter from Fort Worth Alliance Airport, Dallas, USA, on Tuesday December 5th 2006.  They will travel for 169 days, visit 34 countries and cover 36,206 nautical miles.

Jennifer Murray, now 66 years old, learnt to fly helicopters at the age of 54.

Jennifer continues, "There is an exciting addition to this trip. We will be working in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) with IBG, giving a core group of 30 schools along the route and children world wide the opportunity to take part in a global environmental, online project. We will also be visiting these schools during our journey, acting as the dynamic link.”

“There is bound to be a certain amount of trepidation on our part as we embark on this journey, and crossing the Ronne Ice Shelf where we crashed last time will be emotional. However what drives me on is our unique project with the RGS, the enthusiasm the schools and children are showing for the project, and of course the unstinting support and encouragement from our sponsors,” Jennifer concludes.
 
Jennifer has written a book, ‘Broken Journey’, about her 2003 record attempt and this will be published on November 20th. Copies can be bought at www.polarfirst.com.

Watch the pilots journey around the world at www.polarfirst.com.

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Notes to editors:

• Photos available
• Full route details available
• Interviews and photocalls with pilots available

For all these details, contact Emma Drew at Polar First on + 44 (0) 20 7225 2346 or by email at emma.drew@polarfirst.com 

• Jennifer Murray is US born and UK educated. She entered the Guinness Book of Records in 1997 as the first woman to circumnavigate the globe in a helicopter, raising money for Save the Children. In 2000 Jennifer achieved another world first – flying her helicopter solo around the world solo. In 2001 Colin and Jennifer flew the London Sydney Air Race, setting a new world speed record. Jennifer is 66 years old.
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• Microlight flier and helicopter pilot Colin Bodill has been challenging the elements since 1975. Having won the UK championships several times Colin became World Champion in 1995. In 1998 he set a world speed record from London to Sydney. In 2000 he became the first person to circumnavigate the globe solo in a weight-shift microlight. Colin is 55 and lives in Nottingham
 
• The sponsors for this undertaking include, Bell Helicopter Textron, Techtronic Industries (TTI), Rolls Royce, Royal Geographical Society, Albras, Alunorte. Technical sponsors include Chelton, Blue Sky Network, FreeFlight, Shadin, Garmin, Bose, Jeppesen and Iridium.