INTREPID Gwent property auctioneer Paul Fosh sets off for the Canadian Arctic wilderness at the end of this week to take part in one of the toughest endurance events in the world.

In training for the past nine months Paul Fosh, owner of Paul Fosh Auctions, Church Road, Newport, is an entrant in The Likeys 6633 2015 Arctic Ultra, which starts on Friday, March 20, in Canada.

The auctioneer, more commonly seen gavel in hand at auctions in South Wales, has set his sights on completing the gruelling 120-mile challenge to raise £15,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

If he successfully completes the 120 miles he then has the option of carrying on to complete the 350-mile course.

Paul, who is inviting people to back his Arctic attempt, says Paul Fosh Auctions will match fund donations made in March, up to a maximum of £5,000. He is also looking to borrow a portable video camera to take with him on his expedition.

Paul, who has been putting in back to back 14-hour training sessions near his home in the Wye Valley, has also used the grounds of Tredegar House, Newport, for some of his training sessions.

He has also used an industrial freezer at Pastie Heaven, in Monmouth, to try to get an idea of the kind of coldness he will encounter in the Canadian Arctic.

Paul, who flies out to Canada on Sunday, said: “It’s quite hard to imagine that in just a few days time I will be encountering temperatures of up to -40c and the possibility of snow blizzards, ice floes and coming face to face with Polar bears in The Likeys 6633 Ultra.

“During training over the past few months I’ve endured driving rain, cold and blizzard-like conditions at times but nothing that will compare to what is in store for me in Canada. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified of what’s ahead but I now just want to get going.”

Paul is aware of an event which took part 500 miles south of where he is going where one contestant had to retire after getting frostbite in his hands with a threat of losing all his fingers.

Paul said: “The worst part about the training has been the hours and hours of relentless walking, which can be a bit boring so I play music and, when it’s light, take in the wonderful scenery or think about the properties that we have coming up at auction.”

He has also been practicing how to get into his sleeping bag and cooking in complete darkness, which he will experience on his trip.

The organisers of the event, Likeys of Brecon, describe it as 'quite possibly the toughest race of its kind on the planet' a view endorsed by Red Bull, who list it as number one on the world’s hardest winter races.

Paul said: “I will be one of just 29 people taking part in the challenge which will see me cover at least 120 miles in the Yukon, northern Canada, almost entirely within the Arctic Circle pulling all the equipment I need on a sled, or ‘pulk’.

“To give an idea of the enormity of the challenge, the event has been run on six occasions and in that time only eleven people have completed it.

“Macmillan Cancer Support a charity close to my heart and where my mother, Liz Fosh, worked as a Macmillan nurse for a number of years and I’m familiar with the fantastic work that they do.”

Paul, who ran his first Ultra race over 46 miles in the Brecon Beacons in 2012, is being sponsored by HSJ Accountants, Quality Solicitors Rubin Lewis O’Brien, Paul Fosh Auctions, Rightmove/Agent’s Giving and Auction Finance.

To support Paul or to find out more visit http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulFosh.