The Polar Race starts in North West Canada. It takes the contestants 350 miles across the most desolate terrain in the world, in temperatures as low as -40C to the Magnetic North Pole. Competitors in the race are self-sufficient for up to a week, dragging sledges of 70kg on foot or ski, containing tents, food, etc. 3 checkpoints re-supply competitors en route. What makes the polar race different from other polar expeditions is competition. Racing on the polar icecaps is virtually unprecedented and will test competitors in ways that conventional polar expeditions cannot - www.polarrace.com.

MSF is an humanitarian medical aid agency commited to 2 objectives: providing medical aid wherever needed regardless of race, religion, politics or sex; and raising awareness of the plight of the people they help. What attracts me to the charity is that they tend to be first in, before we know of a crisis, and last out, after the world has long forgotten.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Médecins Sans Frontières UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. Many thanks for your support - Charlie.