After 17 days of trekking through sub-zero temperatures, Cirencester's Sam Long has completed her journey to the magnetic North Pole as part of the Polar Challenge.

Completing the race as part of a two-man team, Sam, 34, trekked the dangerous and challenging terrain on skis whilst pulling a 120lb plus sled - called a pulk - containing all of her personal supplies and survival equipment.

Sam and her team-mate skied 350 nautical miles from Resolute to Isacshen via the 1996 Magnetic North Pole, through two checkpoints, with many adventures along the way.

As well as accomplishing a huge personal goal, Sam is continuing to raise money for The Breast Cancer Care Charity.

She explains: "I can't believe I've done it - it was exhausting but an amazing experience which I will never forget. The feeling of having achieved this has made all the training worthwhile - even the ice drill!

"Everyone's been so supportive - my friends, family, my sponsor Computeach, and my team mates - I couldn't have done it without them.

Sam Long: "I can't believe I've done it - it was exhausting but an amazing experience which I will never forget."

"I'm chuffed to bits that I've raised some money for The Breast Cancer Care Charity - hopefully the money raised completing my challenge will help other women through theirs."

Bob Bradley, chief executive of Sam's sponsor, Computeach, added: "I really admire Sam for her perseverance and commitment to this challenge.

"She has invested a great deal of time in her training and has been good enough to share her experiences with us along the way.

"Sam has really shown how hard work and determination can enable us to make significant changes to our lives, and those of others through her fundraising."

Sam heard about the Polar Challenge through a friend who competed in the 2005 race, as well as discovering that one of her sporting neighbours had worked in the support team of the 2005 race.

Her desire to reach seemingly unobtainable goals inspired her to take on the challenge.

She has chosen to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Care as this charity and cause is close to her heart.

Sam completed the Moonwalk in 2004 in aid of Breast Cancer and her inspiration for this was the same.

A very close friend's mother died as a result of breast cancer, and this disease has also affected a school friend and family friend at different stages of their lives.

Living in Cirencester, since completing her BA in Development Studies and Environmental Studies, Sam has determinedly worked her way up through a number of sales and marketing roles.

Her current position is as project manager within a busy software development company based in Cheltenham.

Whilst Sam is keen on progressing her career further, her personal development is equally important to her.