Next month, the thrice champion jockey, inspired by the likes of explorers Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott will set off to conquer the South Pole via a route that has never been attempted before.

With two other explorers, he will embark from the Filchner Ice Shelf, and travel 650 miles across the vast spaces on the Antarctic ice cap in a bid to raise money for several charities. The challenge includes a gruelling climb from sea level to 3,000m (12,000ft) - the equivalent of scaling Mont Blanc.

At present Richard is preparing for the tough trek.

He needs to be in peak physical condition as the expedition will push him to the limits of endurance.

The team will travel on skis, haul sleds weighing 200lbs for up to 14 hours a day, sleep in tents, live on dehydrated food and burn up to 8,000 calories a day - all in temperatures that may plunge to around -40C. The expedition should take around 60 days and Richard hopes to reach the South Pole by mid January 2008.

"This trek is definitely the most daunting task I've ever faced," he said.

"I'm passionate about pushing myself to the limits and, with such extreme conditions, that's exactly what I'll be doing.

"The expedition will raise significant funds for the three charities that inspire me in everything I do, with the added bonus that I'll also be achieving a long-term ambition to conquer the geographic South Pole.

"I am also hoping to make some contribution to scientific research or public awareness of climate change and global warming in polar regions and its wider implications."

It's not the first time Dunwoody has attempted polar exploration, having headed north to the Arctic previously.

"I took part in a Polar expedition a couple of years ago.

"It was one of the most incredible things I have ever experienced - very tough but extremely rewarding," he said.

"It was hard work - cross country skiing for about 350 miles in temperatures of close to -50C."