So to all friends and work colleagues: for those of you who know and those who do not I have entered into the Polar- challenge 2010. On April 10th I will be leaving the warm surrounds of the Financial Ombudsman Service and heading off to Camp Resolute, high in the Canadian Arctic. From here I will spend several days acclimatising and making the final adjustments to sorting kit before the big off so to speak on April 20th. Some of you may be aware that this trip is no walk (or ski) in the park; it’s a five day walk to the start line of the race. This race is essentially in one of the toughest environments on this planet. I will start from Polaris Mines and follow my own route for a gruelling 360 miles to the North Pole, passing two dedicated check points on route.

When asked why? I say why not? Seriously though I have not taken the challenge on lightly, and know the challenges I am likely to face and have to overcome in this daunting time ahead! The challenge involves pulling a sledge weighing 55kgs, which will contain my life essentially. This ‘Pulk’ as they are known will contain the tent, fuel and food for a sustained trek to the pole. I will also have a satellite phone, GPS and a shotgun (in case the polar bears get too friendly) but that is pretty much it. Total solitude for 15-20 days at minus 50 degrees, I can hear the silence now.

For myself I know its not the best time for asking friends to dig deep but I am offering a chance for you to get something back-: For every single donation of £30:00 your phone number will be added to a draw for the chance to win a case of wine. For any donation over £15 I will send a post card from the North Pole and provide an extensive photo library of the trip.

I thank you all for your donations large or small in the mean time you can follow our progress on the following links (should work here)

http://www.polar-challenge.com/

http://www.extremeworldraces.com/

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