A Suffolk stroke survivor is about to embark on an Arctic trek that will culminate the most northerly rugby match in history.

Paul Jordan, from Woodbridge, is making final preparations for the 100-mile journey to the Magnetic North Pole, where he will join fans and players, including former internationals Tim Stimpson, Ollie Phillips and Lee Mears, for a record-breaking seven-a-side match.

Mr Jordan, who recovered from a stroke in 2010, is taking part in the Arctic Rugby Challenge to raise money for children’s charity Wooden Spoon. The team hope to raise £300,000 to provide help to disabled and disadvantaged children.

Mr Jordan, who has so far raised £25,000, faces temperatures of minus 30 and will be carrying all he needs to survive on a sledge.

“I’m going to be away for three weeks and living in one of the most remote places on Earth, where for much of that time I’ll be out of contact with the family,” he said. “That will be tough, but after doing our survival skills training, and working with the other challengers, I realise that most of my effort will be going into completing the challenge.”

He leaves for Canada and the North American Arctic on Wednesday. After a week of acclimatisation and training, the team aim to reach the pole by April 30 and then return as Guinness World Record holders on May 5.

Keep up to date at arcticrugbychallenge.org, or make a donation to Mr Jordan’s total at visitjustgiving.com/arcticjordy.