GWENT flooring firm expert Craig Williams is going is looking for business support to allow him to take part in a unique scientific Nasa-backed expedition to the Arctic.

Craig, aged 33, a flooring installation engineer of Usk, Monmouthshire, has been plucked from relative obscurity to take part in the internationally recognised Ice Warrior Last Pole expedition to the centre of the Arctic Ocean.

Craig, who is being supported by Johnsey Estates, owners of Mamhilad Park Estate where he works, is looking for financial backing from businesses to enable him to take part.

Ice Warrior, formed in 2001, has trained more than 350 people to become environmental expeditionaries. The latest expedition will be the project’s eighth major trek.

Ice Warrior partners include Nasa, the US National Snow and Ice Data Center scientists, The Meteorological Office, The Scott Polar Institute, The Norwegian Polar Institute and the Russian Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute and others.

Along the route of the 2018 expedition team members will gather 'crucial datasets' for the scientific community including new and vital information about how the sea ice breaks up, making the whole endeavour a major, globally significant, citizen science project.

The crucial data collected from the Ice Warrior expedition will deliver what scientists say is statistics on the ‘reality of climate change’ giving the expedition truly global significance.

The expedition, which aims to be the first to reach the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility defined as the furthest point from land on the Arctic Ocean, sets off in February 2018

Andrew Wilkinson, chairman of Johnsey Estates, said: “We are extremely interested in the Ice Warrior project and the very valuable and important work that they plan to do in the Arctic Polar region.

“I was very impressed while talking to Craig at his single mindedness and his determination to first raise the not inconsiderable amount of money he needs to take part in Ice Warrior but also to see the project through to the end. We are following his progress with great interest.”

Craig who works at KADA Europe, Mamhilad Park Estate, Pontypool, has to raise at least £20,000 to enable him to join and complete one of eight stages of the expedition.

The former Caerleon Comprehensive School pupil now studying natural science at the Open University was invited to join the expedition by Jim McNeill, one of the world's most respected and experienced explorers and the founder of the hugely successful Ice Warrior Project.

Jim McNeill, who will lead the 2018 expedition, said “I’m absolutely delighted to have Craig in the expedition team and look forward to training him in every aspect which will make him a competent polar traveller and explorer.”

Craig said: “The Ice Warrior quest is to help scientists gauge the pulse of the planet by developing people, to discover change and deliver it to global audiences in a way we can all understand, fostering a much better understanding of the world we live in and on; ultimately helping us to survive.

“Businesses backing me can be assured that this truly is the most important expedition of our time; the Last Pole isn’t just for glory of attempting to reach the centre of the Arctic Ocean, but to collect vital data about the conditions of our polar region and climate change.

“It’s a serious commitment and one I dedicate nearly 40 per cent of my daily week, working on my campaign and raising Ice Warrior awareness anywhere that I can, whether trail running, endurance training, sending emails, updating social media. I need to be 100 per cent certain I am ready and funded for February 2018.

“I need to raise £20,000 as a minimum to complete one of the four legs of the 800 mile journey. If I raise double that I could (subject to endurance and fitness) take on another leg.

“My brief is to raise the money I need through support partners or endorsements, as such I am currently building my identity and message in order to approach businesses, local, big or small, or national and ask if they are interested in investing in myself and the Ice Warrior brand in return for advertising space and some fantastic brand ambassadorial options. I can also accept personal donations from people and businesses.

“I have 100 per cent faith in Jim McNeill and the Ice Warrior team that what we are attempting to do is not only worthwhile but essential to understanding our future as a race. December 31 is my personal cut off. The expedition date is set for February 2018 subject to funding.”

Defined as the furthest point from land on the Arctic Ocean and therefore its centre, the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility remains the last truly significant place in the Polar Regions, yet to be reached by mankind and is more than 200 miles further than the geographic North Pole. The whole journey will be near to 800 miles from the northern shores of Canada and will take-in the North Magnetic Pole on route.

To support Craig call him on 07542 117894 or email craig@ice-warrior.com.