Darren's new heights in memory of mum

AN ADVERTUROUS Suffolk man is aiming to reach new heights to raise money for the hospice that cared for his mum during her last few days.Darren Baldwin of Brantham, is planning to walk across the roof of North Africa when he joins a ten-day trek along the Atlas Mountains in Morocco on August 16.

AN ADVERTUROUS Suffolk man is aiming to reach new heights to raise money for the hospice that cared for his mum during her last few days.

Darren Baldwin of Brantham, is planning to walk across the roof of North Africa when he joins a ten-day trek along the Atlas Mountains in Morocco on August 16.

The 24-year-old is hoping to raise around £1,000 for the St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich. Staff there cared for his mum Glynis, during her last few days before she died from cancer in December 2001.

Mr Baldwin said: "I don't expect the trek to be easy but I am confident that I will complete the circuit."

His previous experience should come in handy. As well as twice completing the Orwell Walk, he travelled to Borneo and climbed the 4,000 metres high Mount Kinabalu last November.

He said: "I had always wanted to see orang-utans in the wild but thought I would have to wait until I was older to do so. When my mother died it made me realise you have to do these things while you can. I could afford to do it and was fit and healthy so I did."

Mr Baldwin has received help with equipment from the Camping and Outdoor Centre, Ipswich.

He will be paying for all his own travelling expenses so all the proceeds will go to the hospice.

"Everyone knows someone who has suffered from cancer. I want to alert people to the good work that the hospice does as it is such a worthy cause," he added.

On the High Atlas Trek Mr Baldwin will be trekking for around seven hours a day, at altitudes of more than 3,000 metres.

If the weather is good enough he will attempt to climb Mount Teubkal, which at 4165 meters high is North Africa's highest and most testing peak.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Baldwin can contact him on 07867 503622.

Factfile - Trekking the Atlas Mountains.

N The Mountains are an extension of the European Alpine system, and run for approximately 1,500 miles. They provide a route between the coast and the Sahara Desert, and their slopes are densely forested.

N The Moroccan High Atlas Mountains stretch for some 400 miles from Algeria to the Atlantic coast.

N Overnight accommodation comprises lightweight tents.

N Predicting weather conditions can be difficult and though the approach valleys may be dry and warm you can expect winter temperatures and an extensive snow cover on the peaks, even at base camp.

Source www.mountainbaggers.com