THE FAMILY of a man trekking over 4,500 miles through some of the world's most challenging conditions fear that he might not be home for Christmas following unexpected delays in his expedition.

Andrew Lloyd left his Lyonshall farm in January to start his mammoth fundraising journey in the minus 55 degrees temperatures in the Siberian desert.

His trek is based on the book ‘The Long Walk’ which tells the story of six prisoners of war who escaped from a Siberian Gulag camp and began a 4,500-mile trek south.

Andrew wants to take the record for completing the journey fastest while raising money for the Ghurka Welfare Trust, for the work they do rebuilding villages and schools hit by earthquakes in Nepal.

However, before his expedition had even started Andrew was left without his artic suit which was flown with him to Moscow before being sent back to London twice delaying the start of his challenge.

Visa problems meant that Andrew had to reach China before his Mongolian permit ran out causing him to start his trek further from the start point and falling further behind his time schedule.

"We have been following his journey on a digital map of where he has walked," said his wife Rachael.

"He had to start a bit further down as unfortunately his kit didn't arrive in time so he has been walking a bit further to get the miles in. He wasn't going to risk himself doing the miles in Siberia without his artic suit.

"He is managing out there okay but has been stuck in Mongolia longer than he wanted to due to Visa problems. He's keeping his spirits up and so many people are helping him along the way offering him accommodation and food."

Before leaving Herefordshire Andrew hoped to complete the trip in between nine and 13 months, but feared sand storms of the Gobi Desert, Tibet, which he had hoped to have passed through by now.

"Due to the hiccups he will have to complete the Gobi Desert now that the sand storms have started to come in more frequently," added Rachael.

"He was hoping to be home by Christmas but we don't know if that will be the case anymore. He never said he will be back on a certain date and it was always a case of seeing how he does.

"We get to speak to him on Facebook messenger although the internet connection isn't always wonderful. It can be quite a long time between chats but we take the view that no news is good news."

While Andrew is completing his journey Rachael has carried on working in a pre-school, looking after their farming business and four children.

So far Andrew has raised over £1,400 towards his target of £20,000 towards the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

To follow Andrew's journey you can visit his Facebook page by searching Andrew Lloyd's Long Walk or donate to the Ghurka Welfare Trust via: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Andrew-Lloyd11.

Any Herefordshire businesses who would like to sponsor Andrew during his trek are urged to email: JessPR@hotmail.co.uk.