Next stop Greenland in trio's quest to right children's sight

Some people will do anything to escape Hong Kong's stinking hot summers, but walking across the frozen landscape of Greenland seems an extreme way of beating the heat.

That's how three intrepid Hong Kong-based adventurers will be spending next month.

The trio are following in the chilly footsteps of 19th-century explorer Fridtjof Nansen to cross Greenland from east to west on foot with as much determination as Nansen, who declared: 'Death or the west coast!' when he made the journey.

They are making last-minute preparations for the arduous expedition this weekend, which they hope will raise money for the eye charity Orbis.

David Jessop, 36, and pals American Brice Minnigh, 37, who has already left town, and fellow Briton Stephen Wright, 39, will cross Greenland unsupported, using skis and hauling their own food and equipment behind them on sleds.

'We're planning to complete the journey in 35 days,' Mr Jessop said, adding they had little choice in the matter as they can only carry enough food between them to last 35 days 'because of weight-efficiency ratio'.