Matt Smalls rows to the North Pole!!!

On Saturday, 15 March, Matt Small, Commercial and Finance Director at Aico, embarked on his first-ever rowing event—the 2025 Monford Challenge. Rowing alongside three teammates, Matt faced a gruelling 20km course on the River Severn, a test of both endurance and determination.

The challenge began with an upstream battle to the ‘North Pole’—the most northerly point of the River Severn—before turning for a high-speed race back downstream. Seasoned rowers had warned him, calling it “a killer!”, but Matt was ready to push his limits and take on the monumental task.

Matt’s vessel for the day was Jemima Fawr (Big Jemima)—one of the oldest and most battered boats on the course. Yet, despite her age, she was more than up for the challenge.

Starting at the back of the pack against a fleet of sleek Celtic Longboats, Matt and his team powered through, making impressive progress. “We started from the back of the pack, but we powered our reliable Pembroke through the field, overcoming early clashes of oars to make solid progress upstream, overtaking several Celtics along the way,” Matt recalled.

As the team approached the turn upriver, an unexpected tangle with a tree added to the day’s challenges. But the real test came on the way back.

“What goes up must come down,” Matt reflected. “We made our way back, only to find a headwind around every corner—which didn’t seem possible given the river’s route around Shrewsbury!”

With fatigue setting in, the race became a battle of mind over matter. Matt and his team dug deep, refusing to give up. As they passed through Shrewsbury, they managed a surprisingly strong final turn, leading into a head-to-head sprint to the finish line.

Despite the punishing conditions, Matt and his team crossed the finish line in 16th place overall and 2nd in the Pembroke class – an outstanding achievement for their first-ever rowing event.

Reflecting on the experience, Matt shared, “It’s a result that fills me with immense pride, especially considering it was our inaugural adventure in competitive rowing.”

Matt described the Monford Challenge as one of the hardest physical and mental tests he’s ever faced.

“This race was a true test of endurance.  It pushed me to dig deep, reminding me how powerful teamwork, a positive attitude, and supporting each other can be – the same values that drive us at Aico to make a real difference,” he reflected.

Matt’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination, teamwork and resilience. His adventure on the River Severn was not just about rowing—it was about pushing limits and proving that, with the right mindset, even the toughest challenges can be conquered.