A MAN who thrives on adventure will be trekking through one of the most volcanically active areas in South America. Steve Mossey of Layston Meadows, Buntingford, will be exploring the Ring of Fire and following in the footsteps of the ancient Incas when h

A MAN who thrives on adventure will be trekking through one of the most volcanically active areas in South America.

Steve Mossey of Layston Meadows, Buntingford, will be exploring the Ring of Fire and following in the footsteps of the ancient Incas when he takes part in a one-week expedition to Equador.

Mr Mossey, 54, is taking part in the expedition, organised by Trek Equador, in aid of The Parkinson's Disease Society, and hopes to raise about £2,800.

Mr Mossey, who works for Mouchel Parkman in Welwyn Garden City, said: "The Parkinson's Disease Society is my company's charity of the year, so I thought this was a good way of doing my bit."

Mr Mossey will set off on November 10 with 24 other participants from across the country.

Not only will he have the opportunity to explore Equador's capital city Quito, with its preserved colonial centre, he will also trek through traditional farmland, tropical wetlands and lava plains to Cotopaxi - one of the world's tallest and most spectacular volcanoes.

He said: "I'm most looking forward to meeting new and interesting people, and walking up a few mountains.

"But the most daunting thing about it is the possibility of altitude sickness."

It has been five years since Mr Mossey went on his last expedition, which was a jungle challenge in Costa Rica.

"I'm really looking forward to going to Equador as I've never visited South America before," he said.

"It will be a challenge, but I keep active by playing football and badminton, and I'm also a member of the Essex and Hertfordshire long distance walkers' assocation. I hope these will stand me in good stead.

"I plan on raising as much money as possible for the society to help people with Parkinson's, their carers, families and friends."

Hugo Middlemas, director of fundraising at Trek Equador said: "The trek combines an incredible sense of personal achievement with the chance to raise funds for the society, which will go towards funding vital research into a cure for Parkinson's."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Mossey should email him at: steve.mossey@mouchelparkman.com

For more information about Trek Equador 2007 contact the events team at the Parkinson's Disease Society on 02079639319.