The daughter of a renowned British adventurer has described the "frightening" moment she flew a hot air balloon to a whopping 15,000ft and smashed a world record.
Alicia Hempleman-Adams, 30, broke the world female altitude record on Saturday (February 8) after reaching 15,100ft.
The fashion consultant from Bath was forced to endure temperatures of up to -30 degrees as she flew an AX4 hot air balloon for an hour and 46 minutes in Calgary, Canada.
Alicia, who has held a hot air balloon licence for eight years, took the title from Pauline Baker who set the previous record of 14,016ft in 2008.
Describing her record breaking endeavor, Alicia said: "It was pretty frightening up there, I've never felt so cold and at that height you feel very alone and a little bit helpless.
"I love ballooning and have done a few flights a year since I got my licence eight years ago, but it's not like I can pop up to Hyde Park and stick a balloon up.
"So to break the world and British records is unbelievable for a relative novice like me.
Her dad, Sir David Hempleman-Adams, also holds over 20 hot air balloon world records - including being the only person to fly a balloon to the North Pole and back.
Alicia added: "I grew up following my Dad's incredible exploits and he has been a huge inspiration.
"He instilled an adventurous spirit in all of us and that has helped me in my life and career, but I never thought I'd ever be a world record holder.
"When I told him I wanted to go for the record I think he thought I was mad, so I'm really proud to have shown him that I really could do it."
Proud dad Sir David said: "I am pleased as punch that Alicia has broken these records, but it's very dangerous up there so I'm also relived that she came down safe and sound.
"Attempting to break the world altitude record was the closest I ever came to killing myself.
"Everything starts breaking at -30, even steel can snap in half like a twig.
“The Duke of Edinburgh told me once that there’s no such thing as an easy world record and he was so right. Alicia should be very proud.
"You bring your daughters up, educate them and teach them how to fly and then they go off and beat your records."
