Joe qualified as a Doctor in 2001 and spent several years in Emergency Medicine, with a particular interest in pre-hospital care, doing courses in remote medicine, Helicopter Crew course and working towards a Diploma in mountain and high altitude medicine.

In 2008 Joe saw the light and turned to General Practice - he is currently a GP in that wonderful 'National park' known as Greater Manchester, though hopes to move back to the Lake District, where he was brought up, in the not too distant future.

He grew up surrounded by mountains and lakes, and spent most of his youth on a mountain bike, scrambling on lakeland ridges or climbing on the crags of Borrowdale. He counts himself very lucky for being introduced to climbing, canoeing, sailing and the Great outdoors at such an early age - Dad, it was worth all those tantrums!

Joe has been an Expedition medic on trips to China, Peru, Morocco, Iceland, Brazil, Egypt, Mount Kilimanjaro and many UK challenge events.

He teaches regularly on 'Expedition Medicine' courses in the Lakes and Wales, and has an interest in altitude medicine.

When not walzing off to the corners of the globe, Joe enjoys most sports, fine red wine (Argentine malbec!!), guest ales at a good old proper pub, relaxing with the piano, concerts - esp Barry Manilow (well who doesn't love him), and simply enjoying time with friends (gosh - sounds like I'm filling in a profile for internet dating - whatever that would be like of course!!)