FAMOUS faces have been revealed for a glittering send-off for an adventurous Helsby father as he sets off on a daredevil race to the Arctic Circle.

Mike Metcalf, of Swireford Road in Helsby, has spent the last 12 months sleeping under the stars in sub-zero temperatures, pulling trucks and collecting in supermarkets raising more than £10,000 for Help for Heroes and preparing for his ‘epic adventure’.

Now, just over a month before the father-of-two sets off on his 4,000 mile race, a famous playwright, pop star and heroic former Royal Marine have been lined up to appear at a black tie dinner, which he hopes will help raise the further £15K to hit his challenger target.

On Saturday, February 2, hundreds of people are expected to fill the Devonshire House Hotel in Liverpool to enjoy music and dancing and say farewell to the 50-year-old as he prepares to brave freezing temperatures to reach the Arctic Circle in less than 14 days.

During the four-course-dinner guests will be able to bid on fantastic prises including lessons with former world and British superbike champion Neil Hodgson and a full hospitality day at the Oulton Park round of the British Touring Car Championship in June.

More than 200 tickets for the ‘Arctic Ball’ have been sold already, where the security engineer will be waved off on his journey by Calendar Girls playwright Tim Firth and American Idol finalist Joe Slate.

And former Royal Marine Andy Grant, who lost his lower right leg while serving in Helmand Provence, will appear as a guest of honour.

Mike, who will be joined by his nephew Jim Doyle along with a team of charitable explorers during the race, is looking to gain sponsorship money to cover fuel and ferry costs so that 100% of the money raised can go to Help for Heroes.

“We want to give 100% of the money we raise to Help the Heroes, we don’t want them to have to contribute anything towards the trip,” said Mike.

For further information on tickets and to bid on the prizes over the phone contact Mike on 07771 834650 or email mike@wirefordroad.fsnet.co.uk