Irish cancer-survivor on epic 7,000-mile journey round the world in gyrocopter
By ANIThursday, August 5, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR - Irishman Norman Surplus, who survived bowel cancer in 2003, is on an ambitious adventure of attempting to circumnavigate the globe in a gyrocopter.
As part of his 7,000-mile journey round the world, he has reached Malaysia - the 15th country on the way of his epic journey.
The 47-year-old had been earlier stalled in Thailand for 13 weeks after high winds forced him to ditch the gyrocopter into a lake.
Norman set off on the adventure from Ireland on March 22. Since then he has flown over the plains of Europe, the coasts of the Mediterranean, the deserts of the Middle East and the jungles of South-East Asia.
He will continue his journey to the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan and Russia before crossing the Bering Sea into North America.
Surplus’ expedition is aimed at increasing awareness about bowel cancer, and to inspire and encourage patients to stay positive throughout their ordeal.
He is also trying to raise 5,000 pounds for a charity organisation, Bowel Cancer UK.
He also claims said there is an environmental slant to his feat, as he hopes to raise awareness about autogyros as fuel-efficient vehicles.
“An autogyro uses one-third of the fuel a helicopter needs. And they are used in many applications such as crop dusting and police and border patrols,” The Star quoted Surplus, as saying. (ANI)
