Mathews life has been driven by 2 focuses, to seek adventure and to protect others.  Joining the British Military Police at 18 he served his country as a Military Policeman before working for the US Department of Defence as a close protection officer covering Baghdad, Ramadi and Fallujah.

When a unique opportunity presented itself to re-train as a stock broker in London and Monaco, he took it, utilising it to fulfil his life-long dream of launching a new series of care homes to rehabilitate children from abusive backgrounds.

With his military and charitable roots never far from his mind, Mathew has continued to push his body beyond the usual limits to raise money and awareness for those less fortunate. In 2010 he ran from Plymouth to London with the Royal Marine Commandos and 2013 saw him trek the UK’s most injured soldier across the Hardanger Glacier for the Pilgrim Bandits Charity.

Most recently, in 2016, Mathew skippered and personally financed a team of non-rowers to become the first team ever to row the Atlantic from mainland Europe to mainland South America setting two world records in the process. This feat raised over £120,000 for the NSPCC one of the UKs leading childrens charities, who awarded him with a full patronage, an honor he holds close to his heart.

Oliver Bailey grew up in the seedy environs of Camden Town in North London possibly the farthest destination from the Alaskan wilderness (and certainly more hostile).

After moving to Bath and then Manchester to read philosophy, Oliver travelled across the US and lived in Sydney, before returning to London and working in creative advertising and film production, while moonlighting as the head of security at some of London’s most renowned dance music venues.

In the mid noughties, Oliver began a career in the financial markets and currently works for a Swiss bank in Victoria, London. Oliver’s sense of adventure found its apex in 2015/16 when he rowed across the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean with Team Essence, setting multiple world record firsts.

Since then Oliver has led a relatively sedentary lifestyle, staying fit with combat sport and gym activity in his spare time.

This year Oliver has got the itch to push his mind and body to their limits once again – kayaking for 18 hours a day against the clock, while avoiding hungry bears – so is thrilled to be a part Team Essences latest adventure, the Yukon-1000, raising money for long term charity partner, the NSPCC.