Ann tries to convince us that it's too warm up North

Last month the explorers went to Broughton Island in Canada for two weeks of pre-expedition training battling temperatures of -35C and days shrouded with 20 hours of darkness.

Mrs Daniels said: “Living, travelling and camping in the relentless cold can be pure hell.

“I had forgotten just how painful frozen fingers can be and how difficult it is to perform and survive at temperatures below -25C, where even the smallest of tasks take a mammoth amount of effort and concentration.

“We spent only three days in the cold but it was enough to remind us of what lay ahead and how important it is that we are all on top of our game.”

She also said any pain and discomfort on the trip would be “momentary” in the great scheme of things and added: “While I know we will experience a living nightmare, it will be a nightmare full of shared companionship, magical moments and this time with the added benefit of feeling I have made a small difference.

“Being able to help the scientific community to better understand the difficulties our planet is facing will be an achievement that will last a lifetime.”