Our Fabulous Fundraisers
Here are some of the fantastic events that our fundraisers are participating in to raise funds for Matthew’s Friends. Please support these wonderful people!
If you would like to help, please Contact Us about your event. We will support you with running vests (if appropriate), sponsor forms and online sponsor page and information about our charity.
Thank you, every penny helps us to support families who are prescribed Ketogenic Dietary Therapies for complex epilepsy, Glut1, brain tumours and other neurological disorders.
Current and Upcoming Fundraising Events
Zoe Simpson
Val & Richard’s
Nicholas Gonzalez
Shenise
Dave & Neil Gyte
Greg Aldridge
Lewis Whatley
Pamela Mccall
Michelle Annetts
Abi Brooker
Kate’s Royal Parks Half Marathon
Steven Ward
Shenise Parker
Louise Berry
Zoe is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP)
Zoe is an Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) specialising in ketogenic diet treatment for children with epilepsy as well as being a member of Matthew’s Friends Medical Advisory Board and we are very grateful to her for making time in her busy schedule to raise funds for us!
VAL & RICHARD'S 3 MONTHS ALCOHOL FREE CHALLENGE FOR MATTHEW'S FRIENDS
Rich and I have been Trustees and a part of Matthew’s Friends these past 21 years. Over those years red wine has been a big part of social and family times, something to look forward to and in the most difficult of times, all that kept us sane! https://www.matthewsfriends.org/about-us/our-stories/children/gregs-story/
We know those first three months on KDT are the hardest…….
‘A 3-month trial is what we ask!
Will keto work for you?
We know how hard that challenge is, and wondered what to do?
To put some money in the pot we need a worthy trial!
It seems not drinking for that long, for us, is going that extra mile!
So, Rich and I ‘Partners in Wine’ do pledge this 3-month task
If we get to the end, please sponsor MF
We hope 3 months pass fast!!!’
So, starting 16th February Rich and I are going alcohol FREE for Matthew’s Friends!
Join us or decide on your own 3-month challenge to help raise funds to support our families.
WHAT IS YOUR 3 MONTH CHALLENGE GOING TO BE?
Nicholas Gonzalez from Good Plumbing
Nicholas Gonzalez from goodplumbing.co.uk was all set to take on the London to Brighton bike ride to raise funds for Matthew’s Friends. Unfortunately, a car accident in the days leading up to the event meant that Nick was not able to take part.
Most importantly, Nick was not too badly hurt and is recovering with treatment and physio! Nick has promised to ride from London to Brighton when he is fit again. All the money he has raised so far, which is well over £600, will still go to Matthews Friends, a charity close to his heart, thank you for all your support so far.
Everyone at MF’s send you their love and very best wishes for a full and speedy recovery Nick, we hope you’re fighting (well, cycling) fit again very soon!
Shenise, from the Footprint team
Shenise, from the Footprint team, has thrown herself into (or should we say thrown herself off of?!) another airborne fundraiser for Matthew’s Friends. On 5th May, after a hectic morning driving between 3 possible venues searching for the right weather conditions, she completed a paraglide off the cliffs at Newhaven!
Shenise said…
‘Matthew’s Friends means so much to me. Epilepsy is a part of my life now. My daughter was diagnosed with it and Matthew’s Friends have helped with advice and just being there to listen. Let’s get them some much needed money to carry on their amazing work.
I do mad things for charity, so far, I’ve Wing Walked & Sky Dived. Both terrifying but so rewarding. I’m scared of heights, so I wanted to be out of my comfort zone. Hence now I’m silly enough to glide over the coast. I appreciate any amount you can donate. Thank you Thank you Thank you. Much love as always ’
Thank you so much Shenise for supporting Matthew’s Friends again.
You’re an absolute mad woman but we are so glad you are.
Shenise’s paraglide has so far raised £800 (Plus GiftAid), if you’d like to add your support please click on the link below.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/shenise-parker-1712444810635
#footprint #charity #support #fundraising #website #websitedesign #surrey #kent #london #oxted #design #logo #branding #SEO #socialmediamarketing #wordpress #wordpresswebsite #brighton #oxted
Dave & Neil Gyte
Dave & Neil Gyte swam Loch Lomond (22 miles!) to raise awareness of mental health, metabolic therapy and chronic disease causes and raise funds for the charities that help and support people with these conditions.
There was a slight change to Dave’s plans as he details in his update below….
Hi,
So, we did it, 36km swim from Balloch to Ardlui last Thursday on a beautiful sunny day where almost everything went perfectly. The water was calm with a very slight southerly breeze just helping us along at times and it just felt amazing the whole way. The fresh water, the beautiful scenery and some exercise just a perfect combination. Normally I find on endurance events there are always periods when you need to just tough it out but for some reason these never came and I felt strong the whole way, even managing to swim some butterfly towards the end (Mum’s suggestion!) This day has been in my head for about 5 years and thankfully it couldn’t really have gone much better.
Having said that, the build up to the day was very much the opposite, with training not going well at all and as a result, ironically, it very much tested my mental health. There were points I was spiralling but I’m proud that I was able to recognise it and counter as best possible. As this was all related to the swim it was easier to compartmentalise and get on with the rest of life, but it was certainly taking its toll.
Ironic that I was putting all this pressure on myself for a swim as a way to open up about mental health when in fact it caused me to regress. I think it just shows that if we can talk more about these things in the first place we might all be better off! (I’m very conscious that despite saying this I’m still not good at it). Learning is never linear!
As a result, I did take on food during the swim (Neil completed it without any which is just epic) but for me it was proving to be a risk too far and I needed to eliminate some variables.
It did also mean that I needed to disengage from a lot of the talk and build up to the swim, I needed to just focus on me, so apologies to those who have reached out and I’ve not responded to yet, I will get round to responding to everyone. But to everyone who has reached out, who has donated and has supported us on this challenge, I can’t thank you enough, it means a huge, huge amount.
This all started as a way for me to be open about my mental health and what a journey it has been but I’m very glad and proud that this chapter ends on a high. I’ll always be looking for new tools and I’ll be very happy to chat ideas with anyone/just be more open and honest about issues that we all face.
For now though, no more time-consuming challenges, it’s time to maximise and enjoy the time with my young family (and to repay many of the asks I put on Jo as a result of this, she has truly been amazing).
Thank you so much for all the support and generous donations, it’s been incredible!
Thanks
Dave’
What an amazing achievement!
Thank you so much Dave & Neil for taking on and smashing this inspiring challenge and raising a jaw-dropping amount for your chosen charities. We are immensely grateful to you and those that supported your efforts.
Donations to Matthew’s Friends have reached £1000 which is just fabulous. If you still want to donate to us or indeed any of the other charities in support of Dave & Neil’s challenge, then you can do so here…
https://www.justgiving.com/…/zero-two-lomond…
https://www.zero-two-lomond.com/donate/
https://www.zero-two-lomond.com/
Greg Aldridge
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Those who know me will understand why I am running for Matthew’s Friends!
10 years of uncontrolled seizures impacted me and my family horribly.
The ketogenic diet (KD) was the start of taking control of my epilepsy. It is not an easy option, but when it works it’s amazing!
Anyone who needs to try KD should be given the chance to try and turn their life around like I did! You can read my story on the link below.
https://www.matthewsfriends.org/about-us/our-stories/children/gregs-story/
Matthew’s Friends supports families and professionals with training, expanding services and practical help.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/greg-aldridge-1704312705320?newPage=true
Lewis Whatley
Hello everyone! On Sunday April 7th I will be running Brighton Marathon for Matthew’s Friends charity! This will be my 2nd marathon, and you can follow my training progress on strava under ‘Lewis Whatley’.
Matthew’s Friends provide information and support for children and adults using Ketogenic Dietary Therapies for epilepsy, Glut1DS, and other neurological disorders. Not only is this such a great cause, but it is also a charity close to my family, so I am very grateful to those of you who have helped me raise this money!
Even the smallest of donations can create a huge impact on someone’s life, so please help out where you can! Be sure to leave your name or drop me a message if you donate!
https://2024brightonmarathonweekend.enthuse.com/pf/lewis-whatley
Pamela Mccall
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I am delighted to be taking part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk for the second time. Last year we raised funds for Diabetes UK. This year I would like to support another charity that has helped my daughter Ashley, Matthews Friends.
Ashley was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes 4 years ago aged 7. A year and a half later, after several hospital admissions she was also diagnosed with Glut-1 deficiency. Glut-1 Deficiency is a rare genetic condition that affects brain metabolism. The standard of care treatment is a ketogenic diet. This low carbohydrate, moderate protein, high fat diet causes the body to produce ketones, which are used as an energy source by the brain and other tissues when glucose is limited. Doing this while diabetic and managing insulin intake is very tricky. There is no cure for either disease and Ashley has to manage every day with multiple injections of insulin and on this diet. There is little support as it is thought its only Ashley who has this combination of diseases in the UK. However , Ashley is a true superstar and doesn’t let it get her down.
Matthews Friends is a charity that provides Families and professionals with much needed support, training and funding for research. They provide invaluable information and support for children and adults using Ketogenic Dietary Therapies for epilepsy, Glut-1deficiency, and other neurological disorders. We hope a cure will be possible one day and would be very grateful for any donations. Thank you in advance, and also thank you for taking the time to visit my page
Abi Brooker
Abi Brooker took part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon for us on October 9th. She finished the 13.1 mile run in 2 hrs 16 mins and 38 seconds – a very impressive time.
Thank you so much for your support Abi, we are truly grateful!
Please visit Abi’s JustGiving page is you’d like to donate.
Michelle Annetts
Thank you so much to the fabulous Michelle Annetts who took part in the TSC London Marathon on 2nd October to raise funds for Matthew’s Friends.
Michelle finished the run in 4 hrs 55 mins & 22 seconds – what an achievement!
Not only did Michelle run her socks off but she also met and had her number signed by Paula Radcliffe as well as ‘running’ into the Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge! What a day!
We are so grateful to Michelle and others like her who so generously give their time and make such an enormous effort to support Matthew’s Friends – it really does mean the world to us!
THANK YOU!
Michelle’s JustGiving page is still open if you would like to donate.
Kate’s Royal Parks Half Marathon
‘Unfortunately, Kate was unable to take part in the Royal Parks due to an injury. We wish her all the best for a speedy recovery!’
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.It’s been a while since I raced and decided it was time to dust down the running trainers and get back to it by running the Royal Parks half marathon in October. ♀️
Matthews friends is a local charity that relies heavily on fundraising, a charity I’ve followed for many years and one Im very happy to be supporting.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Steven's Midnight Mountain Marathon
Matthew’s Friends supporter, Steven Ward, has been training for some months to participate in the mercilessly challenging Midnight Mountain Marathon setting off on June 4th. Steven, himself an epilepsy sufferer, is taking on this brutal challenge to raise funds for Matthew’s Friends – for which we are incredibly grateful!
All of us at Matthew’s Friends wish you all the very best for your amazing undertaking Steven and thank you for your amazing support.
If you would like to support Steven’s challenge, please follow this link to donate and read more of his story.
Brighton Marathon 2022
Louise is running the Brighton Marathon 2022 on 10th April ‘for Matthew’s Friends because of the help they give Gracie and other families’
You can sponsor Louise here:
Shenise Parker Sky Dive
Shenise Parker is doing a skydive to raise funds for Matthew’s Friends
You can sponsor Shenise here:
Completed Fundraising Events
ENDURANCE LIMITS
WELL DONE PETE!
A FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT!
ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON
MIKE DANCER
ENDURANCE LIMITS TEAM
ANDREA & NEIL'S HALF MARATHON
GO TRACY
DERVLA’S
PURPLE DAY
Fantastic Challenge
Tim Thomas
Gary and Matt’s London to Dublin bike ride May 2019
Greg Ran The 2018 Virgin London Marathon!
The Knight Riders Edinburgh Night Ride Cycle Challenge
Joanna Wallis (+Sarah and Kiya) Glow in the Park
Martin Jukes’s London Marathon 2017
Bruce Calder – Run Garioch
Alan Wells – Hampton Court Half Marathon
Shenise Parker’s Wing Walk
Paul Wilde – Camino Trail
Kayley Burns – A Walk for Tiger
ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON
Laura McGrady and Luke Heather both put themselves forward to take part in this year’s Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise funds for Matthew’s Friends.
We are so grateful to them both for taking this on, it takes time and dedication to take part in a half marathon and we appreciate every minute they spent preparing for and taking part in the event.
Laura and Luke don’t know each other but, amazingly amongst all those people, they bumped into each other and sent us this picture of them together before the run.
Both of these amazing young people absolutely smashed the run. Luke is only 17 and this was his first ‘event’, he had this to say:
‘I finally did it and it was such an experience. I’m extremely glad I could run for you. First of all, I guess I’ll tell you that I came 138th with a time of 1:27:58 which I am extremely pleased with and I’m really glad I could get such a great time and I guess it’s due to 3-4 months of solid training so I’m glad it payed off.’
‘This is probably a memory I’ll treasure for a long time and I’m now more excited about running than ever so thank you!’
138th on his first attempt!! Watch out Mo Farah!
Laura said
‘The keto diet and the support you gave my mum genuinely changed her life for such a long time and I would love to raise money for your charity as it is such a hugely worthwhile cause…..’
And afterwards..
‘Had a really lovely day but can confirm teaching today was a struggle! I’d need a few days with my feet up and being waited on to recover’
Laura was back at it the next day!
Between them these two amazing young people have raised over £1400 for Matthew’s Friends. Both their fundraising pages are still open if you’d like to add to
that amount.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/luke-heather
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-mcgrady123
Thank you to both Laura and Luke for their amazing support – we couldn’t do what we do without people like you!
A FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT!
Suzannah Pinkerton took part in the Paris Marathon on 17th October to raise funds for Matthew’s Friends.
She did amazingly well and finished in 3hrs and 52 Minutes – a brilliant run. Suzie has raised a tremendous amount – £1760 including gift aid, please click on the link below if you’d like to donate too.
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/suzipinkerton
Thank you so much for your support Suzi, it means the world!
WELL DONE PETE!
Pete Green took part in this year’s London Marathon to raise funds for both Clockwork and Matthew’s Friends. Please read his reason for running below.
‘I took part in the London Marathon on 3rd October this year to raise funds for two amazing local charities Clockwork and Matthew’s Friends. Clockwork is an Oxted based charity I helped to launch after the heart-breaking loss of our beautiful daughter Molly to suicide in June 2015.
Clockwork seeks to help young people access local counselling and mental health services; and by seeking to promote and protect good mental health, through services such as peer listening, support groups and information provision. To carry out this work, Clockwork relies on a programme of fundraising events and activities, either organised by the charity itself or on its behalf by supporters. Clockwork receives no government or local authority funding. www.clockwork.org.uk/about-us
Matthew’s Friend’s is another local charity that started in Oxted now based in Lingfield that seeks to help those suffering with Intractable (drug-resistant) epilepsy using medically managed Ketogenic Dietary therapies. Registered in 2004 by Emma after her son.
Matthew suffered countless seizures that were not helped by medication, eventually Matthew was placed on a medical trial at GOSH and whilst he had suffered catastrophic brain damage due to the seizures the Ketogenic Diet improved his quality of life immeasurably. Matthew’s Friends also receives no government or local authority funding. www.matthewsfriends.org
Both of these amazing charities have the ability to help change lives for the better – please help me raise funds to help them keep doing their amazing work, for
Molly and for Matthew.’
Pete, you are truly an inspiration. Thank you.
Pete has raised over £6500 so far to be shared between the charities, his fundraising page is still open for a short while if you’d like to donate to either clockwork or Matthew’s Friends. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PeterGreen21
THANK YOU ENDURANCE LIMITS
A massive Thank You to Endurance Limits, who took part in the Pacific Row challenge 2021, rowing 2,700 miles across one of the world’s toughest seas, UNSUPPORTED, raising over £24,122.85 for Matthew’s Friends.
The crew are Darren Clawson, Aaron Worbey, Darren Baker and Simon Evans. We were delighted to welcome some of the team to our Gala Dinner at The Grand Hotel during the Global Symposium in Brighton where they rightly received a huge round of applause.
Please follow this link to learn more about this amazing team and their inspiring challenge and to donate!
www.endurancelimits.net
ENDURANCE LIMITS | IMPROVING VULNERABLE LIVES
ENDURANCE LIMITS TEAM
THE AMAZING ENDURANCE LIMITS TEAM ARE SUPPORTING MATTHEW’S FRIENDS IN A MOST SPECTACULAR WAY!
They are undertaking the mammoth
PACIFIC ROW CHALLENGE 2021
Monterey, California to Honolulu, Hawaii
WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT IN JUNE:
2,700 MILES ACROSS THE TOUGHEST SEAS
UNSUPPORTED!
To raise funds for
Matthew’s Friends
Please follow this link to learn more about this amazing team and their inspiring challenge and to donate!
MIKE DANCER
http://www.justgiving.com/MikeDancer
In honour National Epilepsy Week and the 100th anniversary of the Ketogenic diet, our fabulous supporter Mike Dancer decided to take on the challenge of climbing Reigate Hill 100 times over 5 days between 24th and 28th May. That’s 20 times a day! Never one to shirk a challenge Mike, who has been on the Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy 13 years this year, decided to take on this mammoth feat to raise awareness of Epilepsy and the Ketogenic Diet and raise funds for Matthew’s Friends into the bargain.
We cannot thank you enough Mike for your amazing support over the years.
Please follow this link to sponsor Mike and support him and Matthew’s Friends.
ANDREA & NEIL'S HALF MARATHON
Andrea and Neil Smith are taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday 13th October to raise funds For Matthew’s Friends.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrea-kenny-smith
“I’m not to sure how I’ve got myself into this predicament but I do know why , as usual Mathews friends have been here to support Aaron over the last 12 years & without donations they wouldn’t of been able to do that . They help many families every day and are always going that extra mile to get the answers each individual needs and due to there continuous efforts I decided that Neil and myself would take place in the half marathon to raise some money for them so that they can continue on in their amazing journey . So I’m asking for all of you if you have any spare change or notes could you donate it our way please this will be extremely appreciated.
Thankyou all”
GO TRACY – 2 OUT OF 3 COMPLETED!
Our MF Funded Dietitian in Aberdeen, Tracy Cameron has just completed the 2nd of her 3 marathon challenges by completing the Dundee Half Marathon.
On the 14th September 2019 Tracy undertakes the Crathes half marathon. She decided to do 3 half marathons this year in each of the of the big health boards that she covers: Grampian, Tayside and Highland. We are delighted that she did and are extremely grateful for her fundraising activities for us.
Please follow the link to give Tracy and Matthew’s Friends your support so we in turn, can fund more centres, provide more education and support more families. Every penny is put to good use. To donate please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tracy-cameron6
DERVLA’S LOVELY MESSAGE AFTER RUNNING THE VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON 2019!
“Lining up with over 40,000 people to run the London Marathon was a dream come true. 4 years ago I promised Julie Fountain that if my ballot place ever came up I would run for Matthew’s Friends. It seemed a fitting way to show how much the support and help we received from her and the whole Matthew’s Friends team meant to me and my Family.
When I made the promise my son had been on the Ketogenic Diet for over a year, it had given him seizure freedom from desperately debilitating Myoclonic Astatic Epilepsy.
For every step of the marathon there were crowds cheering and it was really emotional to see so many people running for others. I really enjoyed the experience
and am overwhelmed with the support given by friends and family to raise this amazing sum for Mathew’s Friends.
I highly recommend applying for the ballot and running for Matthew’s Friends!”
Thank you so much Dervla, for raising a magnificent £1350.00 including Gift Aid! We are truly grateful to you and your amazing supporters!
PURPLE DAY EPILEPSY AWARENESS DAY - 26TH MARCH
Enaya and her school friends pictured here, raised £175 by making and selling scrumptious cakes at school for Purple Day for epilepsy awareness! They did a fantastic job and those cakes looked marvellous. Well done Enaya and thank you for all your hard work.
Nicki Bain and her boys dyed their hair purple for epilepsy awareness for Matthew’s Friends!
Nicki said ‘It was a very last minute decision to do a Purple Day fundraiser and we ended up being 2 days late!! We decided to try and raise £200 which we
thought was a do-able amount to fundraise, so are totally delighted to have raised £580! I am wondering if we can stretch it to £600!!
Angus (is 12) and is currently being weaned on to the Keto Diet for his Epilepsy, and to say that I am enjoying it would be a huge exaggeration!! Anyway hopefully we will get there.’
Nicki, Angus and Fergus raised a belting £715 including Gift Aid and smashed their target! Amazing, thank you!
A total of £1288 was raised for our JustGiving Purple Day campaign this year – thank you so much to everyone who took part!
Fantastic challenge in support of Matthew’s Friends
Carlos Arraez is the manager of Between the Lines in Oxted and he has decided to take up this fantastic challenge in support of Matthew’s Friends – what a star!
I am training for the South Coast Challenge 2019 Eastbourne to Arundel.
I will run ♂️♂️♂️♂️♂️the quarter challenge Eastbourne to Alfristone fundraising for Matthew’s Friends a local charity in Oxted who help people with drug resistant epilepsy.
Please donate using the link below ⬇️
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/southcoast25k
Tim Thomas undertook a mammoth walk
Matthew’s Friends supporter Tim Thomas undertook a mammoth walk in June to raise funds for both Matthew’s Friends and the UK Infantile Spasms Trust.
Here is Tim’s story in his own words;
‘On 22nd June I’ll be embarking on the challenge of the 46-mile Pathfinder March around Cambridgeshire. I’ve been inspired to do this to support two wonderful charities: Matthew’s Friends on JustGiving, and the UK Infantile Spasms Trust on BTMyDonate.
Our wonderful 3-year-old daughter, Eliza, suffers from infantile spasms. Although she has developmental delays, we’re so grateful that she is making slow progress. Some children are less fortunate and also suffer from additional health conditions alongside IS. Matthew’s Friends is a UK registered charity which supports ketogenic diet based therapies. Ketogenic diets are not some cranky alternative treatment; they are prescribed and monitored by health professionals, typically in cases of epilepsy and other neurological and metabolic disorders which have proved difficult to treat with drugs.
Unfortunately the ketogenic diet didn’t work for Eliza but we are nevertheless grateful admirers of the work of Matthew’s Friends.
Infantile spasms is a rare seizure disorder – a type of epilepsy. West’s Syndrome is a subset of infantile spasms. The condition can be very difficult to recognise, but is potentially very damaging if left untreated.’
To date Tim’s Justgiving page
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/timothy-thomas2
has raised £305.00 + £47.50 Gift Aid – far exceeding his £200 target!
Thank you so much for supporting Matthew’s Friends in this way – we are very grateful indeed!
Gary and Matt’s London to Dublin bike ride May 2019
Gary and Matt Ford undertook a mammoth London to Dublin bike ride to raise funds for Matthew’s Friends and Isabel Hospice, read on for a summary of their adventure!
Thank you so much for your support gentlemen, your efforts are very much appreciated.
Gary and Matt’s London to Dublin bike ride May 2019
Having spent a week recovering from our little trip, below is a very brief summary of what we actually got up to in aid of Isabel Hospice and Matthew’s Friends..
Wednesday 1st May – Day 1….Broxbourne to Kettering
Up bright and early, bikes ready, backpacks on and out of the door 5.50am…nice start weather wise…..within 200 yds of the house a malfunction on Matt’s helmet…hopefully not a sign of things to come…into Hoddesdon and then back roads to Hertford picking up the 602 to Watton and Stevenage..breakfast….some lovely good luck wishes and our first anonymous sponsor…very uplifting..
On to letchworth looking fresh…
Country roads from here….
A sign for Ireland??…
oh poor Matt…
unfortunately the little village in bedfordshire was not our final destination
On to Bedford and lunch
Good wishes and onwards to Kettering and our first stop over at Premier Inn..
we’d visited the Hotels the week prior to our cycle and arranged rooms with plenty of space for the bikes….
so day 1 done – 79 miles following National Cycle routes provided by Google Maps….rest…dinner and bed…
Thursday 2nd May – Day 2 – Kettering to Trentham Gardens, Stoke On Trent
Up bright and early off through the Leicestershire countryside, B roads and below, Bridle Paths and Oxendon Tunnels…. yes Matt it’s ok this time to ‘go towards the light’!!
Breakfast in a quaint little pub called the Pug and Greyhound….. Skirting round Leicester and back onto country roads…lunch at 48 miles and with another 46 to go a proper rest and roast pork!!!..
The end of day two was tough…very tough and after 13 hours riding and 95 miles we arrived at Trentham Gardens Premier Inn exhausted…bath, dinner and bed… not much conversation…mind you messages of support and good wishes and all the while donations coming in …big smiles all round..
Friday 3rd May – Day 3 – Trentham Gardens to Rhuddlan, Rhyl
Fare to say neither of us wanted to get out of bed today but onwards and a two-hour push before breakfast just outside Talke…oh look Dad a towpath, haven’t seen many of them… yet..
Stoke on Trent to Chester via Nantwich, Tiverton…pretty much towpath all the way and to be honest some of the more remote ones left a bit to be desired.. ooooohhh our poor backsides..lunch in Chester and then onto the Chester Millennium Greenway a very comfortable ride to Connahs Quay and the border with Wales…pretty much on the coast now picking up the Wales Coastal Path… to Flint, Bagillt, Greenfield before cutting off the Prestatyn Corner, going up and over to Rhuddlan… day three done…. 78 miles… lots of chocolate … oh and bath dinner and bed.. hahaha..
Saturday 4th May – Day 4 – Rhuddlan, Rhyl to Holyhead
Bright and early down from Rhuddlan to Rhyl picking up National Cycle routes 5 and 8.. STUNNING….SIMPLY STUNNING… a lovely coastal path from Rhyl to Colwyn Bay… the pictures speak for themselves
Left the coastal path at Colwyn Bay to cut off the peninsular stopping at Sarah’s Cafe in Llandudno Junction….best breakfast of the trip and Sarah,Neil and the customers lovely to meet…from LJ stunning views of Snowdonia National Park
Onwards to Conwy
Leaving the coast again to miss the Menai Strait following minor roads to Bangor,
Lunch and over the Menai Suspension Bridge and on to Anglesey… RE-NAMED by Matthew as the ‘Island of Undulation’…. lunch from a roadside Petrol Station-Nisa, a tow path and 18 miles of minor and i mean minor roads and we arrived in Holy Head at the brand new Premier Inn, baths dinner and a celebratory drink….63 miles …day 4 done and the back of the cycle broken…
Sunday 5th May – Day 5 – Holyhead to Dublin
With 310 miles in the bag, the 1.3 mile cycle downhill to the Ferry Port seemed like a dream…8.55 sailing with Stena Line, bikes handed to the safe keeping of the staff and weather set fair for a very smooth crossing 3 hours relaxing and a well earned rest… 12.15 on time in Dublin Port and ‘Tera Hibernian’…as one of my extended family put in a very welcome message of support….a lovely welcome from our Dublin Family..
Apparently, my godson felt the rubber rings may come in handy…. Come on Matt….. 5 miles to the Barge on the canal
And………….. two very welcome
Not quite the end…..11 miles to my better halfs house and we were done…. day five 17 miles… lovely…
Total mileage 327…. sore bums and legs…VERY SORE AND NUMB HANDS…but what a trip and all for the very special charities we chose to support ISABEL HOSPICE and MATTHEW’S FRIENDS
A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all of you who have supported us so far, your messages and comments during the trip were all at times that made it possible to carry on..thank
you…. for those of you who may still wish to donate
https://www.justgiving.com/teams/GaryMatt637
Best Regards
GARY AND MATT
Greg Ran The 2018 Virgin London Marathon!
We’re all so proud of Greg, he has autism, has suffered endless seizures throughout his childhood and has now taken on a challenge, we and his family and of course Greg, would never have dreamed of. Our first, ever, epilepsy patient, treated with Ketogenic Diet therapy, running the London Marathon!
Greg’s Mum, Val…
“When Greg said he wanted to do the London Marathon I felt my stomach drop, then I tried to put him off. A huge challenge!”
Read Greg’s full story here https://www.matthewsfriends.org/about-us/our-stories/children/gregs-story/
‘Matthews’s Friends has played such a big part in changing my life. I would like to use my strength to contribute in helping others to turn their lives around like I have’ – Greg.
The Knight Riders Edinburgh Night Ride Cycle Challenge
17 Jun 2017 to 18 Jun 2017
‘Cycling 50 miles through Edinburgh at night for Matthew’s Friends because it is a fantastic charity providing 24hr support’
‘Well, we did it! Hooray!! 50 miles cycling around beautiful Edinburgh from 8pm to 3am! The weather was perfect – warm and dry and we are all so delighted at all the support we have had from our friends and family. Our justgiving page is currently at £865 and we are so delighted to be able to give back to you all at Matthews friends after my daughter Rossi had received such fantastic support from Emma and the whole team. I made use of the 24hr support from Emma on several occasions and cant thank her enough for that. You really did make a huge difference in our lives at a very difficult time and the work you all do is invaluable and so very much appreciated.
Our team – the Knight Riders -(Caroline, C.J, Jenny, Natalie & me!) started at Meadowbank Stadium, cycled up Arthurs Seat, around and through the city to Silverknowes & Cramond beaches, over the Forth Road Bridge and eventually back to Meadowbank to cross the finish line at 3am!! Phew!! Not much sleep was had Saturday night but wow what a sense of achievement!’
Tonya, Caroline, C.J, Jenny and Natalie a.k.a The Knight Riders!
Thank you so much to Tonya and all the marvellous members of the Knight Riders Team. Your amazing fundraising and support of Matthew’s Friends is very much appreciated by us all!
UPDATE – As of the 4th July 2017, the Knight Riders Justgiving page now stands at £925 – just fabulous.
If you’d like to add to that total please follow the link below.
Joanna Wallis (+Sarah and Kiya) Glow in the Park
29th April 2017
Joanna Wallis, Sarah and Kiya are doing glow in the park for Matthew’s Friends because they have done so much for Craig Wallis
Craig’s Mum Joanna, along with Sarah and Kiya (pictured) are taking part in the exciting Glow in the Park event on 29th April! Visit their Justgiving page below to read all about it and sponsor them. They are raising funds for the MFGlut1UK fund, supporting families of children with Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome.
Martin Jukes’s London Marathon 2017
23th April 2017
Martin Jukes is running the London Marathon this year.
Martin says “I’m running the London Marathon for 2 reasons, to raise some money for the charity Matthews Friends and to prove to my self that I’m not over the hill yet!!”
Donate Via Virgin Money
Bruce Calder – Run Garioch
26th March 2017
Bruce Calder and his fabulous team mates Alan Calder, Bryn Turnbull, Jamie Smith, Kevin Madill, Neil McLean and Russell Paton are taking part in the Run Garioch event on Purple Day, the 26th March!
They are raising funds for Matthew’s Friends as Bruce’s daughter Beth (pictured), has been helped tremendously by the Ketogenic Diet for her epilepsy and by our charity. Read Bruce’s message on his Team Justgiving page and support them if you can – every penny really does help. Thank you.
Alan Wells – Hampton Court Half Marathon
29th February 2017
Alan Wells (pictured) ran the Original Hampton Court half marathon for Matthew’s Friends on 19th February, raising £255 plus Gift Aid for our charity! Thank you Alan!
Please visit his Justgiving page here
Shenise Parker’s Wing Walk
9th July 2016 Saturday
“I decided that I wanted to do something different this year so in a mad moment with friends I suggested Wing Walking (think wine was involved). Other than being shocked my friends said what a great idea. “But just one thing you don’t like heights Shenise” – oh yeah I forgot about that, but you know what it’s just a fear I can do this and overcome a fear I have had forever.”
“It’s for such a great cause and charity Matthew’s Friends. The staff & volunteers work so hard. Luckily I will be fitted with 4 different camera’s & a Go Pro so if I pass out then I’ll be able to watch the footage back. So I would really appreciate your donation for this great charity.
Shenise’s Wingwalk has raised £1550 + Giftaid to date
Paul Wilde – Camino Trail
In April Paul Wilde and his friend Albert took on the Camino Trail ‘Walking the Camino de Santiago (860km) for Matthews Friends Glut1UK because they help support people with my grandsons syndrome’His grandson William has Glut 1 and he and his friends took on this massive challenge to raise funds in support of this.
They have raised £1,001.49 + Giftaid to date
Kayley Burns – A Walk for Tiger
(Coast to Coast Hadrian’s Wall Walk approx 84 miles)
25-29th March 2016
Amelie was diagnosed with epilepsy at 3 months old. Her seizures (we called ‘Polly’ to try and make light of the severity of her condition) have nearly stolen her from us a few times. The medication she was given sometimes didn’t work and the ones that helped calm ‘Polly’ have had awful side effects. At 5 years old Amelie was introduced to the Ketogenic Diet and is supported by Matthews Friends on this. Amelie is now off one of the medications and is reduced in the last one. She is a different little girl. She has found a belly laugh we have never heard before and smiles daily now instead of fighting ‘Polly’ day and night. Without this diet I dread to think of what Amelie’s future would be like. Without Matthews Friends I do not think my daughter would have much of a future or enjoyment that she has now and I owe Matthews Friends my world.
We are walking for Tiger (Amelie) to help raise money for this charity so others can benefit as we have. We would be entirely grateful if you could donate.