Heiko heads for the North Cape

20/12/2012 @ 10:33

Thre's one way of guaranteeing snow this Christmas, and Heiko Simmchen, head chef at Gregynog Hall, near Newtown is on his way to find it.

He is preparing for a charity challenge that will see him drive 6,000 miles to the most northerly point on mainland Europe.

Heiko, 35, from Tregynon, is taking his two labradors, Leon and Simba, with him on the eight-week adventure, which begins on 28 December, to raise money for Dogs for the Disabled.

He and his dogs will be living, eating and sleeping in his 2007 Land Rover Discovery 3 and a small trailer and a tent. He is spending Christmas with his family in Germany for the first time in 16 years before heading to the North Cape where temperatures can plummet to minus 45 degrees. The last 15 miles of the journey will be completed on foot.

To get to the North Cape from Gregynog Hall he will travel 6,000 miles across, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

“I originally wanted to do something different and challenging by myself,” he explained. “But I then came across the charity Dogs for the Disabled and decided it would be a good way to raise money for this charity. I love dogs and know the positive impact that they have on me.

“Whilst I have received some sponsorship, I am paying for the trip myself so that all the money that I raise will go to the charity.

“I have been to Norway as a chef, working on a luxury cruiseliner, but never on a trip like this. I find it very admirable that Norway operates well even in the most severe weather conditions.

“I have invested in snow tyres and chains to drive in weather conditions which can plunge as low as minus 45 degrees, specialist clothing for myself and the dogs to withstand the cold as well as special cooking gear.”

Ruff Wear have sponsored a complete kit for Leon and Simba, including harnesses, fleeces, overcoats, Polar boots, leads, collars and beds, ProSpeed Off Road and Tentipi have provided a roof rack, tent and stove at cost price and catering company has also sponsored pieces of kit.

Several companies have sponsored equipment to help him on the challenge and he’s also taking a video camera to record the trip and produce a DVD.

“One of the main aims of the trip is to raise awareness of Dogs for the Disabled,” he said. “ A lot of the money donated to charity goes into research, but what about the poor people who have issues now and have withdrawn from society?

“I know from experience that owning a dog is a wonderful way of socialising because I am always stopping to talk to people when I’m out walking with my dogs.”

Heiko, head chef at Gregynog Hall for three years, thanked everyone who has sent messages of support. More information is available online atwww.traveldogs.co.uk and Heiko will be giving updates of his progress via his facebook page.

Trained at two Michelin star restaurants in Berlin, he has worked on five star cruise liners, including as sous chef in the multi-national start up crew on Queen Mary 2. His travels have taken him to many parts of the world, including New Zealand and Australia where he cooked for former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan.

Picture caption: Heiko Simmchen with his dogs, Leon and Simba, Land Rover Discovery and Gregynog Hall in the background.