INTREPID Newport property auctioneer Paul Fosh will have a lot on his mind over the coming months as he trains for one of the the toughest endurance events in the world.

Paul Fosh, owner of Paul Fosh Auctions, Newport, is an entrant in The Likeys 6633 Ultra 2015 Arctic Ultra in March next year.

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.

Paul said: “It’s quite hard to imagine that in less than nine months I will be encountering temperatures of -30c and the possibility of snow blizzards, ice floes and coming face to face with polar bears in The Likeys 6633 Ultra.”

A keen runner and general outdoor sportsperson, the married father to four Paul, aged 48, who lives in Monmouth, has signed up for what the organisers, Likeys of Brecon, describe on their website as 'quite possibly the toughest race of its kind on the planet'.

Paul said: “I will be one of just 25 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 11 people have completed it.

“I’ll be raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. If I successfully complete the 120-mile challenge then I will have to decide whether I am able to push on to try for the 350 mile distance."

Paul, who ran his first Ultra race over 46 miles in the Brecon Beacons in 2012, is now looking for sponsors to help pay for the specialist equipment that he’ll need and travel costs.

Sponsors, among other things, will get their name emblazoned on the side of the ‘pulk’ and on a flag at the rear of the sled.

Paul said: “I need £7,000 for the kit and entry. I believe that I need about six main backers. I have already signed up four of these with another keen to come on board. Naturally Paul Fosh Auctions will input a sizable figure.

“On top of the equipment sponsors I have set myself the aim of raising £15,000 for 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.”

To become a sponsor or to find out more www.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulFosh and also take a look at www.6633ultra.com.