A 300-mile slog in minus 40 degree temperatures awaits a softwarer developer about to embark on what has been dubbed the "coldest race of earth".

Ryan Shaw, 42, of Rosebery Road, Cheam, is taking part in the Yukon Arctic Ultra Challenge to raise money for Brain Tumour Research.

Mr Shaw said: "Brain cancer has recently affected the lives of some of my family and friends.

"This year I have seen both the wife of a colleague and an old family friend pass away following diagnoses with brain tumours.

"They were both in their 40s, no age at all, leaving behind partners and children.

"It is extremely shocking to learn that one in 50 people who die under the age of 60 die from a brain tumour, yet brain tumours receive just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research."

He hopes to fund a PHD studentship looking to conduct research into the condition Ryan, who is married to Maria, and has two children, Luca, nine, and Solana, seven, will fly to Canada early next year and set off with a sled piled with supplies and navigation equipment needed to sustain him on the epic trek.

Mr Shaw will brave the wilderness with a team of seven participants from England and a total field of 17.

His training, for the February 8 race, includes running up to 120 miles a weekend and consuming around 4,000 calories a day. He will spend the two days before the race on an Arctic survival course.

To support Mr Shaw visit justgiving.com/yau2015