A Cumbrian man has made history by completing a gruelling rowing challenge and setting a new world record.
Matthew Hemmings, of Keswick, a reservist with the 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, rowed between Australia and Africa as part of a four-man team.
They completed the first-ever mainland-to-mainland row across the Indian Ocean of some 3,600 miles in a classic-class rowing boat on Thursday, July 24.
Matthew, Jacob Mattock, Matt Mason and Matt Inglesby were unsupported during their journey, rowing in two-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, for up to 100 days.
The team were 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 trained by running, swimming and rowing to build up his fitness levels.
Prior to the attempt, 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.”
