AN adventurer who had to put his plans to ski to the North Pole on ice after being diagnosed with an incurable cancer following a pre-trip health check is finally fulfilling his dream.

Daring Chris Harrop, from Atkinson Road, Sale, was given devastating news right before he was due to go on a gruelling trek to the North Pole.

The father-of-two was planning to ski to the northernmost point of Earth in April 2015 but results from a pre-trip medical ground those plans to a halt.

Chris, who had completed a Ray Mears’ Arctic Survival and Nordic Skiing courses in prep for the trip, was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia four months before he set off on his arctic adventure.

“When the consultant told me I was shocked and confused but determined to beat it,” said the 49-year-old.

“I didn’t really understand then that it was incurable and I would be taking some form of treatment for life.”

Despite daily chemotherapy treatment, Chris held on to his dream to reach the North Pole. Polar Explorers put his place on hold and he will finally begin his journey north in April – exactly two years after his original departure date.

“My form of Leukaemia may be incurable but it is treatable and by getting the pole I want prove to myself and others that I can lead a reasonably normal life,” he said.

“During the worse times of my illness and treatment the thought of getting to the pole gave me something to focus on and on April 13 I should finally get there, weather-dependent, it was -45C there yesterday!”

As Chris needs to take daily chemotherapy drugs, he will not be able to ski as originally planned and will complete the trip by air. He will take several flights by plane and helicopter, before making the final stretch on foot. He will then spend a night in a tent on the Arctic Ice Sheet.

In the run-up to the trip, Chris is raising money for Leukaemia Care. To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Chris-Harrop.