South Pole Record BreakerSeventeen year old Katie Walter, sponsored by Baillie Gifford, bids to become the youngest ever person to trek to the South Pole.
By: Broadgate The 112 mile journey begins at Patriot Hills in Antarctica and ends at the South Pole. In history, few people have attempted to walk to the South Pole, and many attempts have ended in failure and tragedy. Katie has raised the £35,000 expedition costs by holding fundraising events and through sponsorship; The aim of Katie’s participation in the South Pole expedition, aside from raising money for the chosen charities, is to inspire and encourage other young people. Mike Thornewill, organiser and leader of the expedition, commented: “Katie is a motivated and determined young lady and these are attributes you need to take on such a challenge. As the youngest person to trek across the polar plateau to the South Pole, Katie is a great role model to her peers and I hope she inspires others to follow in her courageous footsteps.” James Budden, Marketing Director at Baillie Gifford, commented: “To take on such a challenge at such a young age is truly remarkable and inspirational. We are keen to encourage young people to fulfil their dreams and we are glad that we have been able to contribute towards Katie’s goal by acting as the main sponsor of her participation in the expedition.” Katie Walter commented: “After a long period of training and fundraising I am eager to get going on the expedition to the South Pole. I know it is going to be a mentally and physically demanding trip, but I have been preparing for this since the age of 14 so I am ready to take on the challenge.” Katie hopes to raise further funds for her chosen charities and those wishing to sponsor Katie can do so by visiting www.southpole2009.co.uk/ - ends – For more information please contact: Roland Cross/Emma Murphy, Broadgate 020 7726 6111 Notes to Editors: Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Baillie Gifford is one of the UK’s leading investment management firms. Baillie Gifford has more than £43 billion* under management and advice in active equity and bond portfolios for clients in the UK and throughout the world. Baillie Gifford has been managing investment trusts since 1909 and is the manager of eight investment trusts with approximately £2.5bn* of funds under management in these trusts. The investment trusts can be invested in directly and also through Baillie Gifford’s Investment Trust Share Plan, ISA and Children's Savings Plan. Further information about the investment trusts managed by Baillie Gifford can be found by visiting their website www.bailliegifford.com/ *as at 30 June 2009 The value of a stock market investment and any income from it can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the amount invested. Investments with exposure to overseas securities can be affected by changing stock market conditions and currency exchange rates. Investment Trusts are UK public limited companies and are not authorised or regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Mike Thornewill’s website is www.polarchallenge.org This document has been issued by Baillie Gifford Savings Management Limited (BGSM), the manager of the Baillie Gifford Investment Trust Share Plans and ISAs. BGSM is wholly owned by Baillie Gifford & Co, which is the manager and secretary of eight investment trusts. BGSM and Baillie Gifford & Co are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and both are based at Calton Square, 1 Greenside Row, Edinburgh, EH1 3AN. # # # Founded in 1994, Broadgate is an award-winning company that specialises in financial services public relations. End
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