Oxfordshire rescuer will 'dig deep' in Arctic ski race

Matt Ireland from Didcot will ski the 137-mile Nordenskiöldsloppet on 28 March to raise funds for Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire; he has trained by running more than 1,240 miles in the past year.

Matt Ireland, a volunteer with Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire from Didcot, is preparing to ski the Nordenskiöldsloppet, a 137-mile (220km) race across the Arctic Circle on 28 March. He will have 30 hours to complete the course across northern Sweden. The event follows a historic route dating to 1884 and takes place in remote, often very cold wilderness. Ireland said he felt both determined and intimidated and expects long stretches of darkness and isolation. Key details: - Matt Ireland is 36 years old and volunteers for Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire. - The Nordenskiöldsloppet covers about 137 miles (220km) and follows a historic 1884 route across northern Sweden. - Competitors have 30 hours to finish the race, and temperatures can fall to around −40°C. - Ireland prepared by running more than 1,240 miles (2,000km) over the past year. - He is using the challenge to raise funds for the search and rescue charity he serves. Summary: Ireland's challenge is intended to raise funds and awareness for the search and rescue charity he volunteers for while testing his physical and mental endurance in extreme cold. The race takes place on 28 March and he will attempt to finish within the 30-hour limit.