An arctic explorer has completed the journey of a lifetime – from his home town in Suffolk to the top of the world.

East Anglian Daily Times: Paul Jordan on the Arctic Rugby Challenge training weekend in Ogmore, Wales.Paul Jordan on the Arctic Rugby Challenge training weekend in Ogmore, Wales. (Image: Archant)

Five years ago, Paul Jordan, from Woodbridge, was lying in hospital recovering from a major stroke.

But yesterday he arrived at the Magnetic North Pole after five days of trekking across the Arctic sea ice with 10 other challengers and their support team.

The culmination of the journey – an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the most northerly rugby match in history – was due to kick off last night, with former internationals Tim Stimpson and Ollie Phillips among those lining up.

Mr Jordan embarked on the Arctic Rugby Challenge to raise money for children’s charity Wooden Spoon. The team hope to raise £300,000 to help disabled and disadvantaged children.

The trekkers, who have each been consuming about 6,000 calories a day, are said to be in great spirits after enduring tough conditions during the previous 24 hours of worsening weather.

They faced large rubble fields and pressure ridges, requiring hours of hard work to cross.

A plane carrying former England hooker Lee Mears and a small group of supporters was due to fly in yesterday, with Mears the official match referee for the challengers’ world record-setting game.

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