A business owner from Notting Hill will take part in a record breaking challenge through the Gobi desert for charity.
Mathew Bennett will lead a three-man team aiming to become the first people to trek unassisted across the Mongolian region of the desert.
The group, called Team Essence, consisting of Luke Richmond and Elise Rose Hoefsmit, will set off on April 17 to rise money for the NSPCC .
They aim to travel across 1,400 miles in two months from the Western edge to the most far eastern corner, experiencing extreme weather and pushing the limits of human endurance and resilience.
Mathew, 37, is the founder of the Acorn Group, which helps young people with challenging behaviour and a range of associated needs and risks, and is no stranger to putting his body on the line.
With a background in British Military Police and the US Department of Defence, Mathew led a team of non-rowers from mainland Europe to South America setting two records in the process, and raised a staggering £120,000 for the NSPCC.
He said: “Having experienced what Mother Nature can throw at you in the ocean, I’m now going to see what she can do in the desert.
"I’m under no illusion that this will be one of the most brutal two months of my life as we fight the elements and the ever continuing search for water.
"Knowing that with every step we make, we are raising money and awareness to support the amazing work the NSPCC does, will keep us driven to the very end.”
NSPCC community fundraising manager for London and the south east, Michele Baxter said, “Team Essence is taking on a truly tough and unique, but rewarding challenge to help vulnerable children. As with all our supporters, we strongly value their efforts and achievements in their fundraising and also creating awareness for the NSPCC.
“We thank Mathew, Luke and Elise for helping the NSPCC to continue its essential work in keeping children safe. We wish them good luck in their challenge and we will be following their progress in the spring.
“Team Essence is looking for corporate partners to sponsor their record attempting desert trip. The expedition has been privately funded in full to ensure that all contributions are received by the NSPCC.”
To give money visit the Team Essence website .
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