A Northamptonshire man who suffered life-changing burns in a workplace accident is preparing to take on one of the UK's biggest sailing events as part of a crew promoting a national disability charity.

Mat will compete in this weekend's Round the Island Race around the Isle of Wight with Stride Forward, a charity that supports people recovering from serious physical trauma through mentoring and vocational support.

The annual race, taking place between July 10 and 12, is one of the UK's largest mass participation sporting events, attracting hundreds of boats to compete around the island.

Mat sustained burns to around 60 per cent of his body after a fuel-related accident while working as an engineer for Prodrive. Having rebuilt his life following the incident, he is now taking on a completely new challenge by learning to sail for the first time.

Mat, pictured far left, has 60% burns from fuel while working for ProDrive as engineer. Mat is new to sailing and lives in Northamptonshire.

placeholder image — Mat, pictured far left, has 60% burns from fuel while working for ProDrive as engineer. Mat is new to sailing and lives in Northamptonshire.

He will join a crew made up of people who have experienced life-changing injuries, many of whom are also new to sailing.

The team is being led by record-breaking skipper Brian Thompson, the first Briton to twice break the record for sailing around the world and the first to complete four non-stop circumnavigations of the globe.

Stride Forward founder Holly King, who organised the challenge, said the race highlights what can be achieved after life-changing injuries with the right support.

The charity provides mentoring programmes for people living with serious physical disabilities, helping them rebuild confidence and move forward after traumatic injuries.

Joining Mat on board are fellow crew members from across the UK, including people living with amputations, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, blindness and learning disabilities.

The crew will sail aboard the Farr 65 yacht Whirlwind, with the aim of raising awareness of Stride Forward while demonstrating that disability need not be a barrier to taking on major challenges.

The race starts from Cowes on Saturday morning, with hundreds of boats expected to take part in the annual event around the Isle of Wight.