Matt Goodman, a policeman for just over a year, is based in Papakura, ironically the same station Sergeant Phil Stubbs worked from before he was tragically killed in a small plane crash almost three years ago. 

The call up for Matt to fly to the Canary Islands came after Rob Hamill unexpectedly broke a bone in his hand coming to the aid of a woman being beaten, making him an unlikely starter for the race which started Oct 7. 

"I have been hanging in the wings for the past year, never really expecting the call, but I am ready and want to do the best for everyone involved and in memory of Phil who was a great mentor and athlete."