Cross Greenland in memory of friend

British pair will travel 1,800 miles in sub-zero temperatures

Even as a youngster Barrie ‘Mustard’ Robley harboured an insatiable urge to travel, and as soon as he was old enough, developed a penchant for climbing, skiing and snowboarding – anything that challenged him physically and mentally – too.

Throughout the years the challenges become more daring and he is now, along with his friend Fran Middleton, he's preparing to tackle 1,800 treacherous kilometers across Greenland to raise money in memory of a friend the pair lost to a brain tumour.

Robley and Middleton plan to cross the island from the East coast to West, unsupported, starting close to the town of Tasiilaq and aiming to finish at Qaanaaq.

The Northern Star 2010 will be their biggest and most audacious challenge to date. Facing sub-zero temperatures, the pair will man-haul sleds or ‘pulks’ with backcountry skis on to the top of the ice-cap and then switch to snow-kites and downhill skis to complete the crossing using as much wind power as possible.

Now aged 28, Robely lives in Switzerland, where he works as an outdoor pursuits instructor and guide. In his late teens he would go travelling and return to Carlisle to find work when his money ran out. But at the age of about 22 his luck was in when he was offered six weeks of work in his current role. Weeks turned into months then years, and he now only returns to Cumbria now and then to see family.

It was during a visit to Iceland in 2006 that he first became fascinated by the ice caps and was inspired to visit Greenland. The following year he crossed the island for the first time, travelling 600km both on skis and by foot, though this year’s trek will be the hardest he has faced yet.

“On these trips it’s really hard to think too far ahead. When you’re out there in those conditions the bigger picture seems so daunting so you have to take it hour by hour, just look forward to your next break,” he said.

“It’s such a harsh environment. You’re out there with one person and with no view other than ice caps in front of you. You need to stay focused and positive all the time.”

Middleton was brushing up on his skiing and training hard both in handling kites and snow-kiting techniques. The pair hopes to use the challenge to raise as much money as possible in memory of Alistair Rainback, a close friend who died in his 30s from a brain tumour. The money will go to the Hospice of St Francis in Hertfordshire, which cared for him during his final days.

To find out more or support their mission go to www.northstar2010.com