🔷 Sponsored by Effective Command 🔷
We’re proud to present this keynote session made possible by the generous support of Effective Command.
🔥 Keynote Spotlight: The Antarctic Angels – George & Bex
Trailblazing firefighters George & Bex bring over 30 years of combined frontline experience with South and Mid-West Wales Fire & Rescue, alongside global athletic accolades and a fierce commitment to leadership and gender equality. In January 2024, they made history as the first UK 999 emergency services team to ski unsupported to the South Pole—a 1,230 km expedition powered by grit, resilience, and relentless teamwork.
Now as founders of the Fire Angel Foundation, they continue to break barriers—empowering young women and fire cadets through adventure and mentorship, including a mini-expedition in Sweden.
Their keynote address—taking place during our Awards Gala Breakfast—will be a high-energy, inspiring session that fuses polar endurance with fire service discipline. Get ready to be challenged, motivated, and moved.
Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to witness how courage, leadership, and purpose redefine what’s possible.
Georgina Gilbert
George has been a firefighter for 26 years and currently serves with South Wales Fire and Rescue service. George is an ambassador for gender equality and has an ambition to see more women striving to do whatever job they want to do in life; always ensuring she is visible as a role model for women wanting to embark on a career that doesn’t fit society’s stereotypes.
She loves competing at high level and qualified to represent Great Britain’s Age Group Triathlon Team and also has scaled mountains such as Elbrus and Kilimanjaro. George has also recently been nominated for ‘Most Influential LGBT and individual in the Fire Service’ by Excellence in Fire and Emergency two years running.
Rebecca Openshaw-Rowe
George has been a firefighter for 26 years and currently serves with South Wales Fire and Rescue service. George is an ambassador for gender equality and has an ambition to see more women striving to do whatever job they want to do in life; always ensuring she is visible as a role model for women wanting to embark on a career that doesn’t fit society’s stereotypes.
She loves competing at high level and qualified to represent Great Britain’s Age Group Triathlon Team and also has scaled mountains such as Elbrus and Kilimanjaro. George has also recently been nominated for ‘Most Influential LGBT and individual in the Fire Service’ by Excellence in Fire and Emergency two years running.
