I'm Matthew English, 19 from Newcastle upon Tyne. I am a full time student at Northumbria University, I also volunteer as a Sergeant for the Royal Marine Cadets which is part of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets (MSSC). I have been selected as one of 12 volunteers from the MSSC who will be joining leg six of the Clipper Round the World Race.

I was selected from around 10,000 people to take part in this amazing opportunity, as a cadet I have also been to Russia on an International Exchange and I have also helped host the U.K. Exchange where people from all over the world to experience the life of the British people and I have been all around the U.K. form Oban in the North West of Scotland to all around the British channel.

I applied for one of the 12 places, donated by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to the MSSC volunteers (I had no idea what I was getting in to), but never dreamt of being successful. I now find myself one of approximately 20 crew members on the yacht ‘PSP Logistics’, a 70ft purpose built racing boat, which departs from Qingdao China at the beginning of March 2014 to sail across the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco. The Pacific Ocean has the reputation as being one of the toughest most enduring ocean crossings in the world with some of the most extreme weather and sea conditions imaginable with 70ft roller waves!

In order to successfully complete the crossing I have undertaken a tough and intensive 3 week training program with ‘Clipper’ which has helped to prepare me for what’s ahead; such as sleep deprivation, physical endurance and operating in cold wet environments for extended periods of time. It has also really emphasised the importance of team work and how virtually no task on the yacht is possible without it.

I'm raising money for the MSSC which is the largest maritime charity in the U.K. delivering life changing nautical adventure for young people. It is one of the charity's aims to help introduce young people, to the world of sailing and offshore boating, the aim of the sea cadets is as defined  To help young people towards responsible adulthood by encouraging valuable personal attributes and high standards of conduct using a nautical theme based on Naval customs.

 

As part of this challenge it is my aim to raise £1,500 in sponsorship for the MSSC charity to help them achieve their goals. I am looking to gain sponsorship from as many people and companies as possible and would really appreciate any donations to help me in achieving my £1,500 target Thank You.