More than £4,250 has been raised for St Elizabeth Hospice by Matt Boyle after he completed the grueling 977 mile cycle ride from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.
From Woodbridge, Matt, completed the cycle ride in nine days, between 4th to 12th September, climbing 17,000 metres, nearly twice the height of Everest, in the process as part of the Ride Across Britain event.
Matt took on the fundraising challenge, in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice, in tribute to his Dad and Aunty who both received support from the hospice during their final days.
“The care provided to my Dad and Aunty, as well as our whole family, was amazing. The kindness and compassion from the hospice staff will never be forgotten,” explained Matt.
“I was very keen to raise money for the hospice and looked at cycling the London to Paris cycle challenge, but unfortunately this was cancelled. However, after speaking with my friend Paul Stefan, who had previously completed Land’s End to John o’ Groats, I decided this was the perfect challenge for me to take on.”
“It was very tough and from day two onwards I had pain in both my Achilles which made things even tougher but to have Paul riding beside, to give support and advice was brilliant.”
“I’m still quite surprised I managed to complete the ride. Crossing the line was a mixture of emotions -relief, elation and a huge sense of achievement.
“I’m also amazed at the generosity of all the people who supported me and donated to the cause and I am so pleased to be able to give back to the hospice as it does such amazing work and I have seen personally the care they provide for those that need it.”
Prior to his challenge Matt enjoyed cycling but only cycled between 50-100 miles a year on average, so in order to prepare for the Ride Across Britain he followed a training programme provided by the organisers.
Beginning in September 2020 he completed 180 rides, covering 6,000 miles, including indoor training rides on a turbo trainer, 100 mile rides in Suffolk and hill rides in the Peak District in order to ensure he was as prepared as possible for his cycling challenge.
Joanne Rodger, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Well done to Matt for completing such a tough challenge, what an effort!
“All the funds he has raised will help make a great difference to the patients, and their families, who are under our care and we are all extremely grateful for his support.”
To donate towards Matt’s challenge visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MattBoyle-RAB2021.