Arctic practice for big climb

Staffordshire firefighters have returned from a week's intensive Arctic training with the Royal Marines.

It was to help a fire service team prepare for an expedition to Mount Denali – the highest mountain in North America – later this year.

The team hopes to raise a substantial amount of money for the Fire Service Benevolent Fund from the expedition. During the week-long training trip to Mjolfell, Norway, the team were given training on avalanche recognition and rescue, survival in Arctic conditions, how to build snow holes, cross country skiing and crevasse rescue.

Firefighter Andy Topham, of Tamworth, expedition co-ordinator, said: "This training was very intense. We had to live in arduous and freezing conditions. It was all good preparation though for the main expedition – which will be even tougher."

He said that since the trip to Norway the team participating in the expedition had been rcut to six. "The others didn't feel they had enough experience, particularly as some were complete novices before they started the training. They are still very much part of them team though and will still be helping us to raise funds and prepare for the trip. We are hoping to raise as possible for this worthy cause, a number of local businesses have already made donations, however we are encouraging others to come forward."

Anyone wishing to give a donation can contact, Ian Sloss on 01785 898510.

The team will also be doing a sponsored ladder climb at the Potteries Shopping Centre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, on March 15. Throughout the day the team members will continuously climb a 13.5 metre ladder until they have reached a distance equivalent to the height of Mount Denali – also known as Mount McKinley. The main expedition to Alaska will take place from May 6 to 27. The team will be climbing 20,320 ft to the mountain's peak in conditions of as low as -35 degrees C.

Team members will have to haul up to 80lbs each up the mountain in stages. They will eat high calorie dehydrated food, and sleep in mountain tents and igloos.

They will be supported by a team of experienced climbers during the trip.

Other members are Burton firefighters Simon Lilley and Keith Townsend; Cannock firefighter Jason Humphries; Lichfield watch manager Brian Roy and Longton crew manager Justin Beeley.