An Accrington man is looking to become the fastest man to complete the "Grand Slam" of oceans, as he attempts to row all the world’s oceans.
Matt Mason, a Royal Marine Commando, who attended St John’s with St Augustine C of E Primary School as well as St Christopher’s, must conquer the Indian Ocean next year and then the Southern Ocean.
The 35-year-old crossed the North Atlantic Ocean in 2021 as part of a four-person crew from Ocean Revival, which was 3,700 miles from New York to London and took 71 days.
He crossed the Arctic Ocean which was 600 miles and took 15 days.
Three months ago, he completed the 2,400 miles crossing the Pacific Ocean, from California to Hawaii, which took 46 days.
He will tackle the Indian Ocean next year, which covers 4,500 miles from Australia to Tanzania.
Read more: Accrington lads to row 2,500 miles across Pacific from San Francisco to Hawaii
Rea more: Accrington marine bracing himself for 550-mile row across Arctic Ocean
Only one person has ever completed the challenge of all five oceans, and it took them 10 years, while Matt is looking to complete it in five or six.
Joining the Royal Marines when he was 18, he completed three tours of Afghanistan, Counter Piracy and Narcotic Operations in the Middle East, as well as training multiple foreign forces around both Africa and the Gulf.
Matt said: “I started rowing when I signed up for an expedition and I fell in love with it when I was 24.
“To do the Grand Slam is a massive challenge although it is terrifying at times, and it is obviously weather dependent.
“It’s about resilience, having rules, empathy and more as it’s a small boat and it’s a long time to live together in a small space!
"Our safety always comes first but it would be an achievement to complete the Grand Slam in the fastest time."
His team are independent and unsupported and with different crews each time.
They aim to raise money for different charities and usually focus on a military charity and a conservation charity.
Matt added: “It’s important to raise awareness of pollution as it was terrifying how much plastic there is in the Pacific Ocean.”
Returning to his hometown, Matt inspired pupils at St Anne’s and St Joseph’s RC Primary School.
Having already spoken to 26,000 pupils about his adventures nationally he intends to spread the word of conservation and encourage young people to challenge themselves.
Matt added: “I love coming back to Accrington, it’s always a privilege. My family are Accrington Stanley season ticket holders.
"I have lived in Clayton and I am staying in Huncoat at the moment.
“I do live all over and it is difficult juggling family life, work and my mission but thankfully everyone is very understanding.
“Children usually ask about going to the toilet on a small boat, so I tell them we go in a bucket, throw it in the sea, the fish eat it and then who eats the fish? It usually gets quite a response!”
Executive headteacher Sinead Colbeck said: “It has been fantastic to welcome Matt into school.
“Not only did he inspire the children with his achievements and aspirations, but he encouraged them to think about their responsibilities to the planet, looking after our oceans, working as a team and realising that anything is possible.”
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