AN OFFICE worker will endure Siberian winds and temperatures as low as -30C on a fundraising trek.

Robert Thein, of Thyme Close, Chineham, will spend seven days in the Norwegian portion of the Arctic Circle, directing a pack of huskies to drag him 200km.

The 23-year-old is taking on the challenge to raise money for Burma Campaign – a charity that promotes human rights in a country where the military-backed regime regularly restricts movement and speech.

Mr Thein, a former Costello Technology College pupil, was born in the UK after his family left Burma for a better life.

He said: “A lot of my relatives have left Burma and gone to Australia or the United States, as there’s nothing going for them in Burma.

“I have wanted to do something for a while. The thing that triggered it was the death of one of my friends and I thought if something happened to me, I would like to know that I gave something back.”

His friend was 23-year-old Liam Lyster, of Blunden Close, Viables, who died when his car crashed into a lamppost near the Black Dam Roundabout in June last year.

Mr Thein has been trying to get fit for the trek with running, yoga and martial arts.

The trip started this week, and Mr Thein will be part of a 12-strong group attempting the challenge.

To sponsor him, visit bmycharity.com/theiny.