Ross's fiery challenge

Ross ovens is swapping the gentle countryside around Uckfield for the sweltering heights of three volcanoes in Europe.

He is taking part in the Three Volcano Challenge which takes place from October 12-17. Over six days the challengers will climb three of Europe's most magnificent volcanoes, Vesuvius, Stromboli and Etna.

Ross, 21, of Clopwood Avenue, Uckfield, decided to take part in the challenge in aid of ASPIRE (the association for spinal cord injury) after seeing a poster advertising it at his workplace. He said: 'I saw the poster and as we have a few people in the office who are in wheelchairs, I thought I would show my support for the charity.'

'To get myself prepared for the climbs, I walk for seven hours at a time once a week. Nearer to the climb I shall increase my walking time.'

He added: 'Cancer charities and children's charities are well recognised among the public, but sometimes charities for the disabled are overlooked. I wanted to get the charity some recognition and at the same time raise some money for them.'

Stromboli is 1100m high and will take approximately five hours to hike up. Vesuvius is 1167m high and will also be a five-hour climb and Etna is a massive 3260m high, which means climbing for 12 hours. These climbs in the warm temperatures of Italy and Sicily, as well as the altitude, will be a real test of fitness and endurance.

The money raised from the Three Volcano Challenge will go towards helping to supply many people with lightweight wheel chairs and many other pieces of equipment to help them on the road to recovery or just to make their lives a little better.

Ross studied at Rocks Park primary school and Uckfield Community College. He is now on a year's work placement at Ford Motor Company working in the director's office in strategy and planning as part of his course on business information systems at Sheffield Hallam University.

For more information on ASPIRE and the challenge, go to www.aspire.org.uk click the fundraising button on the left then find the Three Volcano Challenge link.

Ross is looking to raise 2,500. If you would like to sponsor him, call on 07867556515 or email him at [email protected]