South Atlantic challenge for Aldingbourne man

A MAN has packed his bags and left for an epic sail and trek challenge to raise money for charity.

Keith Young, of Hook Lane, Aldingbourne, will be part of a team sailing 750 miles from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia, and will then climb across high mountains and glaciers.

The Beyond Endurance Expedition started last week and donations Mr Young raises will go to the charity Winston's Wish.

The cash will be raised on behalf of Louis Bernon, a close friend of Mr Young's, who is currently battling through a brain tumour.

'Louis is a remarkable character who has a funny and positive outlook on life. Undoubtedly he's inspired me to do this,' said Mr Young.

'I am thoroughly excited about the expedition and I am 100 per cent prepared.'

The expedition started on October 16. So far Mr Young has raised nearly 2,000.

The event has been planned for two years and Mr Young and other participants have been training on the South Downs with heavy back-packs.

They also travelled to Norway for a trek to work on crevasse rescues and to get used to living on glaciers.

Mr Young has been on other expeditions including a trip across the Irish Sea with his friend Louis.

The expedition will recreate the trek at South Georgia by Sir Ernest Shackleton, Frank Worsley and Tom Crean.

After sailing across the South Atlantic, the team will retrace Shackleton's route from his landing at King Haakon Bay on the south side of South Georgia and will trek across the mountains and glaciers.

They will then arrive at Stromness. Weather permitting, the team also plans to attempt to climb some of the island's previously-unclimbed summits.

Winston's Wish helps children rebuild their lives after the death of a parent or sibling, enabling them to face the future with hope.

It offers practical support and guidance to families, professionals and anyone concerned about a grieving child.

You can find out about the expedition at the website http://www.beyondendurance. co.uk/?page_id=21.