An Ipswich bar owner has said he is starting to feel "a bit nervy" as he prepares to brave extreme conditions in the Arctic.
Steven Wells of the Shamrock, in Tacket Street, will be spending eight days and seven nights in sub-zero temperatures as he looks to raise money for the Royal British Legion.
He will be flying out to northern Sweden on February 5 where he will be accompanying a small group sleeping outdoors, living off the land and relying on nature to survive.
"I don't really know what to expect," he said.
"I've never done anything like this before and, with it being so close now, I'm starting to get a bit nervy."
Steven's training for the expedition has included working on his fitness, reducing his calories and, despite being the owner of a popular Irish pub, cutting back on alcohol.
"I had to make sure I was at a decent level so I've been on the cross-trainer and done loads of swimming," he said.
"But I'm still wishing I was a little fitter!"
Despite close friends and family calling him mad, the 47-year-old has a series of personal motivations for the expedition.
"My grandmother, Pauline Gower, was in the RAF and was a Second World War pilot who founded the women's branch of the Air Transport Auxiliary," he highlighted.
"This trip is coinciding with the 75th anniversary of her death.
"Many of my relatives and friends have served and I always wanted to myself. Unfortunately, an issue with my eye meant I failed the medical exams twice.
"So I suppose you could say I'm a wannabe serviceman who is looking to give a little bit back to those who have been prepared to sacrifice everything."
Looking forward to the trip, Steven is most excited to potentially see the Northern Lights.
But regarding his concerns, the most prevalent is being on candle watch duty.
"We're going to have to dig snowholes in which two or three people will have to sleep," he said.
"One person has to stay awake and ensure the candle doesn't blow out as a result of a lack of oxygen.
"Watching a candle is enough to send me straight to sleep so I'm not looking forward to that.
"People still call me mad but it's all worth it for a good cause.
"I like to think that whatever I achieve, my grandmother would be proud of me."
You can donate to Steven's JustGiving page here.
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