Former Hollywood stunt man Robert McDonald, 49, is to sail his Viking ship, Thor, – made from 15 million lolly-pop sticks – up the River Thames.

The 45 foot ship, based in Holland, will then cross the Atlantic to Canada, recreating the Vikings’ traditional crossings 1,000 years ago.

The voyage is part of the Sea Heart Children’s Foundation which gives out millions of toys to children in hospital.