YOU could hardly compare one of Newport’s highest points to the world’s tallest peaks such as Kilimanjaro or Everest.

But looking down from Ridgeway over the Sirhowy Valley, for former Newport Gwent Dragons and four times-capped Wales rugby international Richard Parks, the area is an important part of his preparations to climb the world's highest mountains.

He will set out in December to raise £1 million for charity by climbing the highest peak on each of the world’s seven continents and visiting both the south and geographic north poles in seven months, which will be a world first if he is successful.

And for the past year, he has cycled and run 200 miles a week from his home at Ridgeway with his dog Ben in order to build his fitness up.

I joined him yesterday for his last few miles before the countdown to this attempt really begins.

The views get higher from here, as on Friday he sets out on his final training expedition, to climb the 8,201 metre Cho Oyu in the Himalaya range, where he will spend seven weeks battling temperatures up to -30 degrees Celsius, severe altitude and challenging climbing conditions on the world's sixth highest mountain.

The 33-year-old has had to be sensitive in outlining the dangers he faces to his supportive parents, Derek and Lee, admitting people have died in such situations.

But, he’s taking it in his stride, joking: “It can dangerous training around here as well. Especially with the wet weather and the brakes on my bike.”

Parks’ odyssey began when he was forced to retire from rugby because of a shoulder injury two years ago. The initial aim was to climb the seven peaks in three years while returning to university as he had no climbing experience.

Now, he aims to raise £1 million for Marie Curie Cancer Care and has nine volunteers working with him.

Parks felt the challenge “was necessary, to test myself in a totally different environment and draw a line under rugby”.

He has spent all his savings on the attempt and has rented his house out, while his training has reduced his frame from his 107kgs rugby weight to 92 kgs.

He said: “It started as a personal journey, but it has become so much more.”

Follow him at 737challenge.com