MONMOUTH-based Paul Fosh has returned home this week after coming fourth in one of the toughest endurance races on earth.

The 48 year-old owner of Paul Fosh Auctions completed the 350-mile Likeys 6633 ultra marathon in the Canadian

Arctic.

He was one of just eight to finish the distance, from a field of 29 entrants from 11 different countries.

Paul, speaking immediately after crossing the finishing line on Saturday 28th March, said: "I can't really believe what I have managed to achieve.

"It's still sinking in. I'm absolutely ecstatic and totally exhausted."

The father of four trained for almost a year for the race, including spending time acclimatising in an industrial freezer in Monmouth pasty shop Pasty Heaven.

He signed up for the 120 mile distance initially, with the option to carry on for the full 350 miles distance if he felt able.

Paul has taken on the gruelling challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and is hoping to raise £15,000 for the charity.

The unique event is carried out in temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius, sees competitors pull pulks (sleds) packed with all the supplies competitors need to be able to complete the challenge.

The Likeys 6633 Ultra is a non-stop self sufficient foot race that takes eight days and crosses the line of the Arctic Circle, before continuing on the banks of the Arctic Ocean at Tuktoyaktuk.

It has been staged six times in the past and is so tough that only 11 competitors have managing to complete the gruelling course over that time.

A spokesman for the event organisers said: "Paul has been meticulous with his preparation and execution of his race, so seeing him cross the line is nothing less than he deserved.

"This race has been dubbed by many as the toughest race on the planet. It's a reputation that is being maintained and justified."

Paul spent time recuperating in Whitehorse, Canada over the weekend, after travelling south from Eagle Plains, where the trek had started.

He is now back in Wales and preparing for his day job, getting ready for an auction tomorrow (Thursday 4th April).

Sean Roper from the auction house, together with the rest of the team, has been following Paul every step of the way via Facebook.

He said: "A huge congratulations to Paul who, at just before midnight, reached the finish line at Tuktoyaktuk, after walking an incredible 350 mile journey across the Canadian Arctic.

"He came fourth which is an absolutely fantastic achievement and we are all so very proud of him and what he has done.

"The 6633 Likeys Ultra is regarded as one of the toughest and dangerous races of its kind in the world, with only a handful of people ever completing.

"Paul is now part of that elite band of people that have completed this event.

"Paul's determination, will power and motivation is quite remarkable."

You can still contribute to Paul's sponsorship fund. Visit http://www.virgin">www.virgin

moneygiving.com

/paulfosh to donate