Ex para-athlete prepares for South Pole solo ski

Having been preparing for the last 10 years, Jonny will ski 911 km of the Antarctic tundra for 40 days

A former GB para-athlete hopes to become the first disabled person to ski solo and unsupported in the South Pole.

Jonny Huntington, from Devon, suffered a stroke ten years ago at the age of 28 that left him with permanent brain damage.

But after years of intense rehab and training he is poised to ski 566 miles (911km) of the Antarctic tundra for 40 days.

He will also drag 242lbs (110kg) of kit with him including food and clothing.

He sent his final kit and equipment, destined for Antarctica, on Monday

LISTEN: Jonny Huntington speaks to BBC Radio Devon about his challenge

He said: "I'm a firm believer in sort of fulfilling one's potential - I do kind of feel that people ought to do what they can with their lives."

Mr Huntington experienced left-sided paralysis following the stroke and has a significant lack of strength, mobility and control down that side.

But he went on to compete in the 2017 and 2019 IPC World Cup events, rank 43rd in the World in Para Cross Country Skiing, clock multiple Visma Ski Classic series finishes, and finish third in the GB Para Climbing Championships in both 2019 and 2020.

He sent his final kit and equipment ahead of him to Antarctica earlier, ahead of the challenge next month.

"For me, this is not only about doing that myself, but it's about being demonstrative to other people to do that as well," he added.