A VOLUNTEER at Bromsgrove Sporting has pedaled almost 250 miles to watch his team play, raising thousands of pounds for two causes in the process.
42-year-old Matt Foden, from the club’s commercial team, cycled to Sporting’s match against Lowestoft Town to raise funds for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and Bowel Cancer UK.
Ahead of Saturday’s match (August 24), Matt set off on Thursday (August 22) and cycled 140km from Bromsgrove to Rutland Water.
On Friday (August 23), day two of Matt’s challenge involved an arduous 180km cycle from Rutland Water to Blickling Hall.
If the cycling was not difficult enough, on day three Matt had arranged to take on the Blickling Hall Parkrun. The event was cancelled so Matt rode to Norfolk to complete the Brundall Parkrun instead.
The trip took an unexpected turn in Norfolk when Matt bumped into the wife of his university friend, Neil. Neil had inspired one of Matt’s chosen charities after he recently died of bowel cancer.
Neil’s wife was, by chance, on holiday in Norfolk and had decided to take on the Brundall Parkrun herself.
Matt told the Standard: “It was good to raise money for some great causes and take on a bit of a personal challenge.”
His inspiration for the challenge came after some banterous interactions from people around the club when Matt would turn up to games in his cycling gear after swapping his car for two wheels.
He said the charities chosen were close to his and Sporting’s heart after he and members of the club have been affected by both problems.
In total, Matt journeyed 400km, climbed an elevation of 2,750 metres and spend 17 hours and 10 minutes on the move.
Matt added: “I’d never expected to raise that much money and the people supporting me along the way gave me a real buzz. Lowestoft were really welcoming.”
Now, Matt has set his sights on a new team challenge at his local gym where staff and members of Gusto FitHub will attempt to do box steps equaling the height of Mount Everest.
He may even return to Lowestoft next April to join one of their fans, who is considering taking on the same challenge in reverse.
His fundraiser is still live until November. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/matt-foden-1722668965743 to donate.
