A former heart attack victim shed two stone in weight while trekking 400 miles from Canada to the magnetic North Pole in the “world’s toughest race”.

Entrepreneur Roger Davies, 61, of Cheam, came fifth in the race across Arctic terrain in temperatures of minus 40C.

Mr Davies used the expedition to raise funds for the Children’s Trust at Tadworth Court, which supports children who have multiple disabilities and complex healthcare needs.

He said: “After almost two years of preparation and training, including recovering from a heart attack, I am thrilled to have completed the Polar Race 2009.

“Each day was a huge test, with freezing temperatures, harsh terrain and fending off the odd polar bear, but we made it to the end in good shape, despite losing over two stone in weight.

“We were delayed by two days in leaving the pole as extreme weather with temperatures of minus 40 and heavy snow prevented aircraft from landing and had we not managed to leave when we did, could well still be there now.”

Each day involved a long trek on foot without the benefit of dogs or skidoos, with Mr Davies having to pull his sled the whole 400 miles, setting up camp each night.

He said: “This kind of activity may not be always thought of as normal for someone of my age, but I like to think that by doing this, I have shown the rest of my generation that as I grow older, I have no intention of slowing down and being a typical retiree.

“I am very grateful for the support of Standard Life, without which the expedition would not have been possible.”

Standard Life sponsored Mr Davies as part of the Sipp campaign, launched to encourage babyboomers to fulfil their ambitions as they grow old.