A RESERVIST soldier and dad from Keswick is set to row 8,500 km across the Indian Ocean for charity.
Matthew Hemmings, who serves with The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment's 4th Battalion, is part of a four-man team aiming to row from Australia to Africa.
If successful, they will be the first team of four to complete this journey, setting a world record.
The 35-year-old father of two served 12 years in the Royal Engineers before joining the reserves.
He currently works at the Army Reserves Centre in Workington and Carlisle.
The team will be unsupported as they row across the Indian Ocean, taking on two-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, for up to 100 days.
"I feel strong, I feel fit and mentally prepared for the challenge," Matt said.
"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," he said.
The four man team will be navigating sharks and saltwater crocodiles, coping with the ocean swell, extremes of weather and exhaustion, as well as blisters and salt sores but Matt feels that he is ready to face the task ahead.
They are also raising funds for Fisher House, a facility that supports veterans and their families.
So far, around £2,000 has been raised for the charity of the initial £3,000 target.
The team, which includes Jacob Mattock, Matt Mason, and Matt Inglesby, will fly out to Australia in the middle of April to prepare their boat, named ‘No Great Shakes’, for the crossing.
People will be able to track their feat throughout the voyage by visiting the Ocean Revival Adventures website.
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