A Keswick military man is preparing to undertake one of the most dangerous and demanding feats in the world – an epic 100-day expedition rowing more than 8,500km across the Indian Ocean.
Thirty-five-year-old father-of-two Matthew Hemmings, a proud veteran and former commando, is currently training his mind and body in preparation for the monumental challenge that will see him part of a four man team pulling oars coast-to-coast from Australia to Tanzania.
It will be a world first if they successfully manage to navigate their craft across the ocean surviving on limited supplies and enduring extreme conditions. But Matthew points out that the daunting expedition is not just about breaking records, more importantly it is about raising funds for the charity Fisher House, based at Birmingham University Hospital, which provides vital care, accommodation and support to the families of injured military personnel.
The crew will take it in turns to man the oars for two hours each and on their ocean odyssey will battle relentless waves with towering swells, unpredictable weather and isolation. They are also likely to develop sea sickness and painful salt sores.
“I have never done anything of this magnitude before,” said Matthew, who is a mentoring support officer for the army reserve in Cumbria and is responsible for community engagement, recruitment and retention for the military reserve in the county. “I have done some endurance challenges and have experienced sleep deprivation, but nothing like this.
“I am nervous about it and am trying to sort myself out mentally. It’s a massive physical challenge, but mentally is where it’s going to happen. I am just trying to make sure that I am in as fit a shape as possible.”
Matthew, who is coach of Keswick FC’s under sevens, is seeking sponsorship and support to make the mission a success and is appealing for people to donate by visiting oceanrevivaladventures.co.uk. He also hopes that the row and the publicity surrounding it will help amplify awareness of the challenges faced by veterans and the incredible work done by Fisher House. The expedition is also being supported by Ocean Revival Adventures (https://oceanrevivaladventures.co.uk/)
The team is looking to set off in the early summer and their boat, which is 27ft long and four foot wide, is already in transit to Australia.
