You might think January can be a bit nippy but spare a thought for Chris Cassidy who will be battling temperatures of -40°C next month.

Chris, of Marsh, is taking on the Yukon Arctic Ultra Challenge - and at 24 he is thought to be one of the youngest from the UK to attempt it.

The challenge, which Chris is taking for the Brackenhall-based Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, involves trekking 100 miles on foot from Whitehorse to Braeburn in the Canadian arctic desert.

Temperatures in the region rarely rise above -20°C and Chris will have to complete the challenge in just 72 hours.

Meanwhile, the only company Chris will have will be his sled carrying his gear, which he has to pull for the entire 100 miles.

Decorator Chris said: “I’ve completed a lot of tough races so I wanted to really challenge myself. This is classed as the world’s toughest and coldest.

“I came across it when I was searching online for challenges and decided to do it six months ago.”

The challenge will span one route through desolate plains with several stops, where trekkers are given routine health checks to monitor their tolerance to the cold.

Chris Cassidy training for the Yukon challenge pulling a tyre

Chris has been training for the challenge by completing treks while dragging heavy loads.

Lindley farm shop Brosters has even offered Chris a chance to try the true Yukon experience by sleeping overnight in their freezer at -25°C.

Chris is used to tough challenges after completing the Mont Blanc Marathon last year but said nothing would prepare him for the bitter Canadian cold.

“There is nowhere in England that comes close to these temperatures. It can get below -50°C,” he added.

Chris will be one of many people to attempt the challenge as they set off from the town of Whitehorse on February 5.

Local businesses have been sponsoring him and he is looking for more.

Chris added: “I wanted to raise the money for the Forget Me Not Trust to keep it local.”

To sponsor Chris go to www.justgiving.com/yukonarcticultra2016/ .

Chris Cassidy preparing to do the Yukon snow challenge for Forget me not childrens hospice.