A reservist soldier from Keswick is set to take on a gruelling rowing world record attempt.
Matthew Hemmings, who serves with the 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, will attempt to row between Australia and Africa as part of a team of four.
The four-man team will navigate sharks and saltwater crocodiles, coping with the ocean swell, extremes of weather and exhaustion, as well as blisters and salt sores.
The team – Matthew, Jacob Mattock, Matt Mason and Matt Inglesby – will be unsupported on the 8,500km row across the Indian Ocean, rowing in two-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, for up to 100 days.
If successful, they will be the first team of four to ever complete the journey.
The team is raising funds for Fisher House, a facility which supports veterans and their families.
Matt, a 35-year-old father-of-two, served for 12 years in the Royal Engineers before leaving the army and joining the reserves.
He currently works at the Army Reserves Centres in Workington and Carlisle.
Over the past six months he has been training by running, swimming and rowing to build up his fitness levels.
Matt said: “I feel strong, I feel fit and mentally prepared for the challenge. I don’t underestimate this task.
“Being mentally fit is as important as being physically fit. I know it is going to hurt but as a soldier you are trained to push yourself to the limits.”
The team flies out to Australia next month to prepare their boat, No Great Shakes.
People will be able to track their voyage at https://oceanrevivaladventures.co.uk/
