About Matt
Matthew Samuel Hazley
Born on 7th February 1980 in Belfast, Northern Ireland
“I hate the word impossible. It doesn’t exist. It is created by the weak willed when the going gets tough - an excuse not to try”.
Inspirations
Michael Watson MBE, former British boxer.
6 days 2 hours 26 minutes
10 seconds
Initially close to death, Michael needed six brain operations - he spent 40 days in a coma, was in and out of consciousness for four months and in a wheel chair for several years. He then attempted a marathon. Just before his attempt, Michael still found it tough to walk without help.
He did it. In 6 days, 2 hours, 26 minutes and 10 seconds.
Michael rightfully received the Helen Rollason Award for courage in the face of adversity at the 2003 Sports Personality of the Year award. He was honoured as a Member of the British Empire in the New Years Honours list in recognition of this heroic feat.
His spirit and determination drives me through the toughest times in my life. He is my hero. He is the greatest inspiration in my life.
Previous hiking experience
2003 Appalachian Trail – 2175 miles
2004 Pacific Crest Trail – 2650 miles
2005 Triple Crown – 7925 miles
The Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail in one calendar year.
Previous non-hiking experience
I left home at 19 and travelled in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Lao, Vietnam, Cambodia and Ireland between 1999 and 2002. Eveything from swimming with sharks to fighting in the ring in Thailand under full Muay Thai rules.
Plans for 2006
To endurance hike the Appalachian Trail with support in less than 40 days. That’s over 55 miles a day average. The current record is held by ultra runner Andrew Thompson in 47 days 10 hours 31 minutes.
Future Plans
- To carry on pushing boundaries.
- Polar expeditions.
- High altitude mountaineering.
- Round the World.
- To hike the Continental Divide from the Seaward Peninsula to Tierra Del Fuego – 20,000 miles.
