While the rest of us are huddling by the fire this winter, one man is braving the big freeze – all for a good cause.
Meet Paul Fosh (main picture), a 58-year-old property auctioneer from Monmouthshire, who’s swapping cosy nights in for sub-zero survival training.
Why? To tackle the gruelling Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra – a bone-chilling 211-mile trek through the frozen Canadian wilderness – and raise £3,000 for Welsh homelessness charity Llamau.
Fosh, a married dad-of-four, has a knack for doing the unthinkable. His training? Dragging tyres through icy forests to mimic the weight of his pulk – a sled packed with essentials to keep him alive during 12 days of Arctic hell.
BLIZZARDS AND HALLUCINATIONS
Think -40°C temperatures, blizzards and hallucinations, all while pulling his own supplies.
Fosh admits: “I said my last Ultra would be the final one, but the call of the wild – and the chance to help Llamau – was too strong.”
Homelessness is close to Paul’s heart. After decades in property, he’s seen the harsh realities faced by vulnerable young people and women in Wales.
“Llamau does life-changing work to ensure no one has to endure homelessness. Raising this money is my way of giving back,” he says.
A TEST LIKE NO OTHER
The Yukon Ultra isn’t just a race – it’s a battle of endurance, survival, and sheer grit. Competitors push through endless nights, biting winds, and unrelenting isolation. But Paul’s ready, thanks to brutal training sessions in the Welsh Marches.
“I need to replicate the Arctic conditions as much as possible. It’s the only way to prepare,” he says.
And while his business, Paul Fosh Auctions, is thriving thanks to an all-online model, Paul insists his focus is fully on the challenge.
“The team’s incredible – they keep everything running smoothly. But through the magic of tech, I’m never completely out of reach, even in the wilds of the Yukon!”
“WHY I NEED YOUR HELP”
Fosh’s mission isn’t just about personal glory. Every penny raised will support Llamau’s critical work, like helping domestic abuse survivors rebuild their lives and young people find a safe place to call home.
“Your donation could make a real difference – whether it’s big or small,” he urges. “Together, we can give someone hope for a better future.”
FROSTY ADVENTURE
So, while Pau Fosh battles the elements, you can back him from the comfort of your sofa. Want to help? Dig deep, share his story, and follow his frosty adventure.
As he pulls on his goggles and trudges into the Monmouthshire wilderness, one thing’s for sure: this isn’t just about surviving the Yukon. It’s about giving hope to those who need it most.
The Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra 2025 starts on Sunday, February 2 and ends on Wednesday, February 14. You can follow Paul’s training progress, and make a donation HERE as he documents his training journey and shares any pre-race jitters.
