FORMER England rugby captain, Lewis Moody will be swapping the rural scenery of Bradford on Avon to the ice cold terrains of the North Pole next week all in aid of raising money for charity.

Mr Moody, 36 who has lived in the town for four years since having previously played for Bath Rugby, will be taking on the ‘Headnorth’ trip next Saturday and will endure a 100km trek from Barneo to the North Pole.

Headnorth aims to raise £250,000 for two charities including the Lewis Moody Foundation which brings relief to families affected by serious illness and raises money for brain tumour research.

Half of the money will also be given to the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund supports those injured in service and the families of those who gave their lives.

The 2003 World Cup winner said that he has been practicing for the trip for several months. He added: “I love the training aspect of it as it gives me something to do and Bath Rugby have been great in letting us use their gym and training facilities.

“The reason why I wanted to get involved is primarily to raise funds for the two charities but I love a challenge in my life and going to the North Pole is an once in a lifetime thing especially when you are with your mates.”

The team of nine will be made up of rugby players including Danny Grewcock MBE, members from yachting company, Y.CO and three Royal Marines.

It is expected to take them 10 days to complete the trek and the route is considered as one of the most extreme tests of physical and psychological endurance as temperatures throughout the trip will remain between -25 and -50ºC with the team pulling 60kg sledges each.

Mr Moody said: “The hardest thing is getting everyone together as we have three groups of three and we have such a connection between the team. So far we have had two days together to get to know one another and we’ve been sorting out the logistics and where any problems may come from.”

The former England rugby player has previously taken part in the Yukon Artic Ultra Marathon in 2013 but had to pull out after he suffered frostbite and lost sensation in one of his fingers. Mr Moody added: “It made me realise how diligent you have to be.

“I’ve now got special gloves to wear on this trip to protect my fingers from frostbite.”

The team has nearly reached £50,000 in fundraising efforts so far and Mr Moody said he hopes that people will donate while the group are on the trek.

He added: “We would love to reach it before we go or by the time we get back and I am hosting a charity night in London on April 23 and hopefully if we haven’t been able to reach the target we will make it up then.

“It will be amazing to get back and go to the Brain Tumour Charity and give them the money so they can go ahead and build the bio bank they need.”

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/yco-headnorth.