Around the world in 80 years
A GREAT-grandfather has travelled all around the world in his 80 years – and is still ready for adventure.
Leo Duffy, 84, has journeyed to almost every farflung corner of the globe, taking in 52 countries across six continents.
He first embarked on his travels as a 24-year-old, crossing the Sahara, climbing Algeria’s Hoggar mountains and walking across Tassili plateau towards Niger.
Great-grandfather of twelve Leo undertook his early expeditions solo while his wife Angela, now 81, took care of the family hardware business and looked after their five children.
After retiring he volunteered abroad alongside his wife of 58 years, teaching IT to journalism students until his 80th birthday.
His most recent trip saw him take on Marco Polo’s celebrated route from Venice to Anatolia, Iran and China.
Leo, from Adlington, Lancs, is now home after completing the final month-long stretch of the Italian merchant’s historic journey with son Marc, 42, and daughter Colette, 56.
But he is not yet ready to hang up his boots. He said: “I still plan to continue if I can. I’m still fit enough to do it but you never know at my age.
“I feel very lucky. I am still healthy and have no problem doing it.
“I have been lucky that I have a wonderful wife who lets me do what I want to.
“Each year I come back saying that’s the last one. At 84 I think my legs will tell me no more – however, we will see.
“I like the adventure and I want to do things and go where nobody else goes.”