AN USK man’s attempt to trek to what is known as the last ‘world first’ is to be delayed until 2019.

Craig Williams was selected for the Ice Warrior programme last year, and the self proclaimed ‘Vegan Ice Warrior’ was due to take on the trek to the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility in February.

But earlier this month it was announced the attempt would be pushed back until 2019.

The pole is said to be the last truly signifiant place in the polar regions yet to be reached by mankind, and is defined as the furthest point from land on the Arctic Ocean. The exhibition will travel 800 miles from the northern shores of Canada across treacherous sea ice, and take the explorers 200 miles further than the geographic North Pole.

The expedition will collect datasets along the route, including vital data about how the sea ice breaks up, marking the expedition a major citizen science project. The Ice Warrior expedition is split into four teams of seven ‘ordinary’ people from all walks of life, led by experienced explorer Jim McNeill. Craig will undergo a gruelling training regime which will result in him taking on at least one of four 20-day legs of the expedition, pushing the route across the Arctic Ocean by 200 miles.

Despite disappointment when he heard the news, he said the extra 12 months will help him to raise more money. “I was a bit disappointed, but it means I have an extra 12 months to build my campaign and to try to raise some more money,” Craig said.

Since he began fundraising Craig has gathered £4,000 in pledges so far. In addition to raising money to take part in the expedition, Craig has also decided to raise money separately for the Alzheimer’s Society. He hopes to raise a further £1,000 for the charity.

To sponsor Craig call 07542 117894 or visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/veganicewarrior