A resident from Rickmansworth has become the first person ever to circumnavigate the entire Isle of Wight three times.
Matt Dawson is an experienced triathlete, but taking on this challenge to complete three laps of the island – once by swimming, once by cycling and once by running – proved even harder than he thought it would be.
Setting off at 9am on Saturday August 23, Matt took on the unprecedented 312km feat to raise funds for the charity Access Sport.
Though it took a lot of organising, things didn’t always go to plan.
Matt explained to Ricky News: “I thought the swim was going to take 16 hours, but it ended up taking 26! I got stuck at one point where I was swimming on the spot for six hours because the tide was against me.
“When I got out of the water, I didn’t know how I could go on. But there was a big crowd of people there after the swim, congratulating me and wishing me luck. I didn’t want to let down my crew and all the people who’d come along to support me.”
After just an hour’s sleep, Matt jumped on his bike for the next leg of the challenge.
With the team making sure he stayed well fed and hydrated, Matt made it through the cycle ride.
Next came the run, which took around 29 hours.
Matt said: “Some of the roads were closed due to erosion, so we were diverted a few times as we tried to find a coastal path that wasn’t there!”
A total of 73 hours and 21 minutes after setting off, Matt crossed the finish line on his 50th birthday.
He said: “The feeling was unbelievable. It was very emotional, sharing that moment with everybody around me. It was a real team effort, and I couldn’t have done it without my crew.”
The incredible fundraising feat was in aid of Access Sport, a charity providing inclusive sport programmes to transform the lives of disabled and disadvantaged young people. So far, Matt’s fundraiser has reached more than £9,100.
Matt added: “I’ve been raising money for Access Sport for quite some time. Having access to sport should be a basic right in this day and age.”
Asked if he has any other feats planned, Matt said: “I think I’m going to take a few months’ rest first!”
Matt also thanked the companies which sponsored him, Moorlake campervans and Ruislip Appliances.
To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/page/matthew-dawson-9
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