John Robson - Fire and Ice Expeditions

This evening, a good number of members, spouses, partners and guests listened enthralled to the extreme exploits of John Robson and the Fire and Ice Expeditions team.  They are, essentially, a group of men and women of the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service who like to climb mountains. 
They have set themselves the challenge to climb the highest peaks in seven continents for seven local charities.  In fact, they have climbed rather more than seven mountains (as John said, they have to train!) and have helped rather more than seven charities, but they can't do anything about the seven continents.  The group raises money through sponsorship and other fund raising efforts, but John stressed that the cost of the expeditions is met entirely from their own pockets.  Back home, they relate their experiences, in particular, to school children, emphasising their aims to raise awareness of life's challenges and of equality and diversity.  Last year, they spoke to over 8,000 children of all abilities.
With the help of some fabulous photographs, John had us gasping at his stories of the hardship they cheerfully endure in their expeditions - and helpless with laughter at their toilet antics.