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When Telegraph-reader Jill Marshment read an article that
explorer Bear Grylls was looking for a Naval mechanic to
accompany him on his latest expedition across the Atlantic
she knew just who to call.
Her son Lt Andy Leivers admits that he is a fan of challenging
exploits, rock-climbing, paragliding and kite-surfing being
a few of his more mundane pastimes.
Once his mother had contacted him to ask if he had seen the
article, Andy went straight to the website www.arctic2003.com
to find out more.
That Sunday evening he sent an email over the wires in pursuit
of Bear Grylls, seeking a place in the Arnold & Son Trans-Atlantic
Arctic expedition.
In less than a week Andy was sitting having a cup of coffee – otherwise
known as an interview – with Bear.
And a week after that the Navy had agreed to Andy’s
involvement in the four-week exploit.
The trip is due to set out at the end of July, a five-man
team in an 11-metre aluminium-hulled rigid inflatable boat
who will be crossing from Nova Scotia in Canada via Greenland
and Iceland to the north of Scotland.
Provided the journey goes smoothly, the five should reach
the Scottish coast in late August – and Andy is crossing
his fingers that the expedition runs to schedule, because
his job as Deputy Marine Engineer Officer for HMS Newcastle
means that he needs to be there to ensure the Type 42 gets
through her upcoming operational sea training period in September.
Originally Andy joined the Navy as a Marine Engineer Artificer
in 1988, but in 1996 he was commissioned and began his engineering
degree at Southampton University, since when he has served
in HMS Nottingham and Newcastle.
He said: “I’m looking forward to it. I love doing
challenging stuff, being challenged physically and mentally.”
He also had praise for his Commanding Officer Cdr Jeremy
Blunden: “I don’t think that he could have been
more supportive. He said to me ‘This is a once in a
lifetime chance. Go for it’.”
The Royal Navy is one of the sponsors supporting the event,
providing 20,000 litres of diesel fuel.
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