A ROSSENDALE woman is getting ready to push herself to the limit and take on sub-zero temperatures in one of the world's most hostile terrains.

For Clare Winnick, 40, is aiming to take part in the Polar Race 2005, due to be held in April next year.

Having lost her mother and brother to lung cancer within 11 months of each other she has been searching for an event which would enable her to raise substantial amounts of money for Christie's against Cancer and North West Hospices - while at the same time increasing public awareness of the charities.

And in the name of charity the polar race will see her hauling her own food and equipment on a sledge over 400 miles of some of the most inhospitable terrain in the world.

The journey will take her from Resolute Bay in the former North West territories of Canada to the Magnetic North Pole. The race is expected to take 30 days during which competitors will fend for themselves in temperatures that can plummet to as low as -40 degrees C, avoiding open water and being aware of the very real danger of polar bears.

Clare, who works as head of production for ITV News at Granada Manchester, can be frequently seen running the fells around her home in Helmshore and further afield.

She said: "I am always looking to push myself to the limit and the outdoors is my passion. The North Pole is one of the last wildernesses in the world and presents a real challenge.

"I lost both my mother and brother to cancer and wanted to raise money for research."

Clare is looking for corporate sponsorship for the trip. Any East Lancashire company wishing to help out should call Jacky Plant at The Christie Hospital, Manchester, on 0161 4463979.