IT is with great concern that I read about a proposed expedition to the Arctic by children and teens from Lochgelly High School.

Do those who dreamed this up know exactly what the effects of extreme cold can be. Or the adults that are going with them. The dangers are frostbite and hypothermia?

I do not want to put a damper on the spirit of adventure but the Arctic is not a place for children really. I think a gentleman named Scott of the Antarctic would agree.

As far as fitness is concerned it is important, but people need to know what they are getting into.

No one was fitter than myself, but I knew the dangers. I have been in conditions of extreme cold (and heat) but still I have suffered hypothermia and frostbite (not at the same time), both potentially lethal.

I was lucky with frostbite in that I still have my face, fingers and toes! But I can tell you that the pain is excruciating and the lethal aspect is gangrene.

The danger with hypothermia is if you start to feel sleepy or warm, you are on the way out!

Again I was lucky in that I contracted pneumonia which was bad enough, indeed led to me being in hospital for three weeks.

Even the military have made fatal mistakes on training exercises in conditions of extreme cold or heat. I still have scarring in my right lung.

I really hope those accompanying the Lochgelly High youngsters are really experienced people.

I am not trying to scare people , I write this out of concern as as someone with some experience and as a parent myself, I hope and pray that all goes well when they go. Good luck!

BILL BISHOP,

Ballingry.

The Lochgelly High expedition to the Arctic is being organised by The Polar Academy who have run these sort of trips for some years now to give youngsters lacking in confidence self belief and a new outlook on life. The person who will be in control is The Academy's Craig Mathieson, who is highly experienced.