A WOMAN set to push herself to the limit in the North Pole is preparing for the sub-zero temperatures by sleeping in a giant freezer.

Clare Winnick, 40, of Helmshore, will take part in the Polar Race 2005 from April 1 across some of the world's most hostile terrain.

She is using the expedition to raise money for cancer charities after losing her mother Kathleen and brother Peter to lung cancer within 11 months of each other.

Last night, she braved temperatures of minus 40 degrees C in a storage freezer at the Asda store in Skelmersdale.

"It might seem a bit daft but it was a great way of preparing myself for the kind of temperatures I will be enduring," said Clare, who has a 22-year-old son Michael.

"I really just wanted to test out my protective clothing, which worked, so I was pleased about that.

"I couldn't get any sleep because it was too noisy with the forklift trucks but I managed to get my tent up and had a go at pulling my sledge.

"It wasn't as cold as I thought it would be but I found it strange when I got outside because it was like stepping off a plane when you get to a tropical destination. The heat just hits you."

The polar race will see her hauling her own food and equipment on a sledge over 400 miles. The challenge was inspired by a team led by two of the best 'modern day' British adventurers, Jock Wishart and David Hempleman-Adams.

In 1996 they organised an 'expedition with a difference' when they successfully took 10 novices selected from 500 applicants on the first ever televised trek to the magnetic North Pole.

Six years later, the duo joined forces again to recreate their historic trek -- but this time as a race.

The journey will take Clare from Resolute Bay, in the former North West territories of Canada, to the North Pole.

It is expected to take 30 days, during which competitors will face the dangers of freezing temperatures and polar bears.

Clare, who works as head of production for ITV News in Manchester, said: "I have now raised all the commercial sponsorship and am now concentrating on raising funds for Christies against Cancer and North West Hospices.

"I have raised £5,500 so far but want to boost that even further."

Anybody wanting to to find out more details or sponsor Claire can log on to the website www.justgiving com/clarescause or send a cheque payable to Clare's Cause to Michelle Kenning, ITV News Granada, Manchester, M60 9EA.