ED CHAPMAN, 55, from Bude, is taking on two monumental challenges in aid of his favourite charity, COCO. He and his business partner Phil Howells, 62, from Ledbury, chose two of the hardest and most extreme physical challenges on the planet.

They have already taken part in the 6633 Extreme Ultra Marathon — a race through the Arctic in the wintertime. Competitors must carry or drag on sledges all the supplies they need to race 350 miles through the Arctic Circle. '6633' is the latitude in degrees and minutes of the Arctic Circle where the race takes the athletes.

Unfortunately the 2009 race didn't go quite as planned for the two men. Ed was pulled out with frostbite and, although Phil managed to go further, he was forced to withdraw with hypothermia.

Only 20 people are allowed to take part each year. Most of the previous entrants had already competed in winter races in the Yukon, Alaska and North America. Without exception they said the 6633 Ultra was the toughest race they'd taken part in. Not many complete it.

Ed is happy to try again however, and said: "This is truly the toughest race on the planet, minus 40 degrees centigrade has to be experienced before you can have idea of how cold it is. Next time we will know what to expect."

Their second challenge takes them to the opposite end of the temperature scale; 40 degrees centigrade in the Kalahari Desert.

The Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon consists of running 150 miles in six stages over seven days. This race is limited to 100 entrants and will take place from October 2 to 11.

Ed and Phil have been training hard running with rucksacks weighing 10kg over distances beyond the standard marathon.

Ed and Phil's chosen charity is COCO, a children's charity working on closely monitored education and healthcare initiatives that make a big difference to the lives of children living in poverty throughout the developing world.

To support Ed and Phil in their demanding challenges and to donate to their cause please go to their fundraising page http://www.everyclick.com/ed--phil">http://www.everyclick.com/ed--phil.

See this week's 'Post' for a full report.