Adventure to Land of Fire and Ice

HEADY heights . . . Andrew Taylor climbing in Nepal

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AN OLDHAM doctor who has taken part in expeditions around the world is gearing up to test himself on an Icelandic adventure.

And retired GP and experienced climber Andrew Taylor (69), from Grasscroft, says the Francis House Children's Hospice 2017 Iceland trek is definitely worth the challenge.

He is encouraging people to sign up to the five-day hike to the Land of Fire and Ice, so called because of the country's glaciers and volcanic springs which will take place from September 3 to 10, 2017 to raise funds for children with life-limiting conditions.

During 45 years, Andrew, who also volunteers as an Oldham Mountain Rescue medical officer, has taken part in a number of treks and expeditions, such as testing medical equipment and techniques at the Mount Everest base camp. He has also taught ecology, geology and medical, climbing and rescue techniques in India and Pakistan; skied across Greenland and trekked in Nepal.

Andrew took part in the Francis House trek to Morocco in 2015 as the medical officer for the trip.

He said: "I think treks are an amazing experience, and I'm sure Iceland will be too. However, it's not just about the breathtaking views and scenery, or raising money for a good cause. Morocco was a fabulous place and people had an incredible sense of humour on that trek. When you go as a group you share camaraderie and a unique experience. You get to know yourself better by testing yourself and not taking yourself too seriously.

"Some of the people who went on the Morocco tour were walkers, but only a few had trekked before, and yet they still pushed themselves, kept going, didn't complain and really helped each other. Seeing how people live in other countries, speaking to them and learning about people and their behaviours gives perspective."

Francis House provides respite care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and the necessary support and short-term rest for their families across the North West.

The Iceland trip will fly from Manchester to Reykjavik, then an internal flight to Egilsstaðir, in the North East of Iceland.

It involves five days of hiking through the magnificent landscapes of mountains and small bays of the North East.

The mountains come in all shapes and sizes and the variety of colours is stunning.

The trek will be at a low altitude and so a mild climate can be expected. The trip will end with a free day to explore Reykjavik.

Accommodation during the trek will be in heated mountain huts, and luggage will be transported in trucks each day. The trek is open to anyone aged over 18 and a good level of fitness is needed. Training walks are being planned to help prepare for the trek.

Previous Francis House treks to Jordan in 2013 and Morocco in 2015 raised £85,918 in sponsorship.

Registration Packs are available from Emma on: 0161 443 2200 or email: emma.rapley@francis house.org.uk.