Two adventurous geography students have been invited on the trip of a lifetime to the Antarctic Peninsula, following in the footsteps of great explorers like Shackleton and Scott.

Ginny Bernadout, 23, who is currently studying for a PhD in Physical Geography at Queen Mary’s Mile End campus, and 21-year-old Amy Ennis who completed her undergraduate studies this year, have been chosen to accompany Robert Swan on his polar expedition next March, as part of the 2041 Inspire Antarctic Expeditions.

Mr Swan was the first person to walk to both the North and South poles and has dedicated his life to the preservation of Antarctica by the promotion of recycling, renewable energy and sustainability to combat the effects of climate change.

The two Mile End students will be among a team of 50 students journeying to the last great wilderness on Earth, taking in the sight of statuesque icebergs, humpback whales, and 40,000 nesting penguins along the way. Ginny said: “To be able to take part in the 2041 expedition would be life changing for both of us.

“To be able to avoid irreversible damage to some of the most precious habitats we have, we all need to make changes in the way we lead our everyday lives. Educating the next generation and giving them the same passion we have is our way of making an impact.”

On their return they will act as environmental ambassadors, educating school children in Tower Hamlets of the devastating impact of human activity on the planet.

For the expedition, Ginny and Amy need to raise �76,000. To make a donation email ginnyandamyofantarctica@googlemail.com.