This year, two Old Vikings, Oliver Smee (24E) and Ben Watkins (24E), are taking on a challenge of a lifetime. Under their campaign Mission Memory, the pair are taking on two of the most unforgiving ultra-marathon paddling races to honour their grandparents and raise money for Race Against Dementia and Sue Ryder.

Their goal is extraordinary. They will be kayaking a total of 1,125 miles across two races - the Devizes to Westminster and the Yukon 1000 - becoming the youngest crew ever to attempt both.

Their journey begins with the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Marathon in April. Spanning 125 miles from Wiltshire to the heart of London, the race requires non-stop paddling for 24 hours. It is a relentless race that Ben and Ollie are tackling as their warm up!

The monster race comes in July. With 6,000 applicants and only 30 crews selected, the Yukon 1000 is the longest paddle race in the world. The race stretches 1,000 miles from Northern Canada through the artic circle in some of the harshest conditions on the plantet. The boys will face extreme weather, sleep deprivation and unending exhaustion, making the Yukon 1000 one of the most formidable endurance challenges in the world.

For most, completing one of these races is a lifetime achievement. Attempting both in a single year, and being the youngest crew to do so, is an unimaginable feat!

Ben and Ollie have also teamed up with fellow OV, Jasper Cullen (24E), who has produced a series of powerful campaign videos capturing their mission. You can watch these videos and follow their journey on their instagram @missionmemory_. 

We wish Ben and Oliver the best of luck with their training and with both ultra-marathons this year. Their determination and drive to complete this challenge in honour of their grandparents is nothing short of inspiring. 

If you would like to support their mission, you can donate to Mission Memory here.