AN ex-Royal marine is taking on the world’s coldest and toughest ultra challenge to help young people pursue their love of sport.

Nick Griffiths is bound for Canada where he will endure temperatures dipping towards -50 degrees Celsius for the Yukon Arctic Ultra.

Over eight days he will complete a lone 300-mile race in the snow, which race organisers warn can become absolutely life-threatening.

But Nick was inspired to take on the extraordinary challenge after being inspired by the work of the Rob George Foundation.

Gazette:

Rob George was known for his cricket talent

He said: “I met with Rob George’s parents, Lorraine and Philip, and was touched by their story.

"I’ve always had a passion for sport, in my case extreme sports, and am delighted to be supporting a charity which helps young people to pursue their love of sporting activities.”

READ MORE: ROB GEORGE FOUNDATION ENSURES ROB CONTINUES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Rob George, from Colchester, was a talented sportsman whose life was cut short in 2013 by acute myeloid leukaemia when he was 21.

The aim of the charity, set up by his parents, is to support young people diagnosed with a life-threatening condition but also those from poorer backgrounds struggling to get into sports or the performing arts.

Care UK chose the foundation as its charity partner so its regional facilities manager for the north of England, Nick, was keen to tackle an epic challenge on its behalf.

Gazette:

Philip and Lorraine George with son Sam

He said: “I’m 45, short and stocky so I’m not someone who you would say is a natural athlete but I try to inspire my family, and others, to push themselves.

“And I suppose if you’re going to do something, because of the financial commitment involved as well, I’d want it to be quite epic.

“It also gives me a bit of bragging rights as it’s something not many people have done.”

Despite his modesty, dad-of-two Nick already has up to ten ironman and marathons under his belt.

While serving in the Royal Marines at 17 for five years, he led Arctic warfare training in Norway, and in 2013 rowed across the Atlantic Ocean.

The Bolton Atlantic Challenge was one of ten teams in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge who completed the 3,000-mile rowing race from La Gomera to Antigua.

Gazette:

A shot of Nick during the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge

“Rowing was extremely mentally tough because of the isolation,” he said.

“We were at sea for nearly nine weeks but the difference was, I was in a team.

“Because of the distance of the Yukon, I’ll be walking for between 18 and 20 hours a day, through the night and in remote areas.

“Your hear stories of people hallucinating because of the exhaustion so it will be incredibly challenging.”

The ultra begins on February 1 and Nick hopes to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the Rob George Foundation.

To donate, click here.