AN adventurer from the North-East is undertaking one of most physical and mental challenges for any human to undertake on the coldest continent on earth.

Michael Mitten, from Newcastle, is attempting to trek to the South Pole, next month.

It is ten years on from a successful trek to the North Pole in 2009 in memory of his father that raised £40,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mr Mitten is taking on the next challenge in memory of his mother, Christine Mitten, who spent over 18 years fighting multiple sclerosis (MS) before she passed away in 2016.

With an aim to raise £50,000 for the MS Society, Mr Mitten wishes to raise awareness and support research into the disease.

If he is successful, he will be one of very few individuals in the world who have reached both the North and South Poles on foot.

Mr Mitten said: “This will be one of the toughest, yet most exhilarating challenges of my life.

“Knowing that the money I raise will be used to help fund research and help support for those affected by multiple sclerosis is the best part of all.”

With two years of specialist and endurance training behind him, Mr Mitten will embark on this epic expedition in the interior of Antarctica.

He will trek across the last degree of latitude, crossing 60 nautical miles (111km) for 7-10 days across a barren and hostile environment to the South Pole, while pulling a pulk with 80kgs of equipment and supplies on board.

Mr Mitten said: “I’m embarking on this challenge for the MS Society because I really believe in their cause and the way they supported and cared for my mum after her diagnosis.

“The charity helps over 100,000 people living with MS in the UK with a raft of services tailored to their specific needs, making a real difference to their lives.”

To support the challenge and help in the fight against MS, please visit www.polesapart2019.com and navigate to ‘Get Involved’.