Balloch dad to trek across the Arctic Circle

Oct 3 2008 by Amanda McKendrick, Lennox Herald (main ed)

BATTLING temperatures of minus 25 and relying on huskies for transport are just two of the challenges a Balloch dad will face when he treks across the Arctic Circle.

Alan MacInnes is set to take part in the charity adventure in April, in a bid to raise much needed funds for Scottish charity Quarriers.

Travelling on a sledge pulled by huskies, Alan will take part in the eight-day trip across Norway and Sweden and spend his nights sleeping under the stars in one of the most inhospitable places on earth.

Alan, who has to raise £3000 to take part in the 250km trek, will be taught how to steer a sledge and given a crash course on training the huskies.

The 34-year-old said: “I’d been looking to do something for charity when I saw the trek advertised in a newspaper.

“I think it will be a great experience, but it won’t be a holiday. It’s going to be really, really hard going.

“The temperature can drop to minus 25 and if the weather conditions change it can slow people down.

“The most important thing for us will be to reach our destination point at the end of every day and try and get some sleep before we set off again.

“I’m looking forward to it, but I’m getting more nervous the closer it comes.

“I’m going to miss my son Ben’s birthday while I’m away, so I want to raise a huge amount of money to make it worthwhile.”

Part of the trip, which Alan is undertaking with 29 others, will take the group through mountain territory where they will have to push the sledges and equipment, as well as through the Isdalen (ice valley) and across the frozen lakes of Sweden.

The group’s adventure will end at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi.

Alan, his wife Kelly and friends have already raised over £1200 after taking part in the recent Great Scottish Run in Glasgow.

He is also holding a charity night in Dumbarton Harp Club on Saturday, October 25, at 7.30pm.

Quarriers has over 100 projects throughout the UK which help support and care for adults and children with a physical or learning disability, children and families facing poverty, young people, the homeless, people with epilepsy and carers.

TEAM EFFORT: Kelly MacInnes, far right with son Ben, and friends who completed the 10k for Quarriers.