AN AMBITIOUS port engineer is getting on his bike to cycle hundreds of miles to raise money for a cancer charity.
Matt Clowes, of Sillwood Drive, Clacton, will be tackling the 471-mile journey from Edinburgh Castle to Clacton on his road road bike in bid to raise thousands for Cancer Research.
The epic challenge will take the 27-year-old four days to complete.
Matt, of Sillwood Drive, Clacton, said he chose Cancer Research as it was a charity close to his heart.
He said: “I probably had a few drinks when I first came up with the idea.
“But over the last two or three years, cancer has hit my family pretty hard.
“About a year and a half ago my mum Sandra went in for a scan which found she had breast cancer.
“She had treatment like radiotherapy and a couple of operations.
“But in the same week she got the all clear my step-dad Barry was diagnosed with lymphoma.”
Raising cash - Matt and his mum Sandra
Matt’s mum Sandra, 53, has been given the all clear and goes for regular check-ups but but Barry, 59, is still having treatment.
On July, 11 Matt will be starting his venture from Edinburgh Castle and will cycle about 100 miles per day.
He plans to stop in Newcastle, Doncaster and Peterborough.
Matt added: “I’ve been training by going to the gym regularly and eating healthier.
“I’m also doing two 100-mile rides over two days per week to make sure I don’t strain my muscles before the big day.
“I’ve cycled 80 or 90 miles which I’ve done in a day but I’ll be pushing to do that every day for four days."
Matt and step-dad Barry
However, Felixstowe port worker Matt won’t be stopping his charitable efforts there as when he makes it back to Clacton he has another challenge planned.
He will be taking part in the Cancer Research 24-hour Relay for Life challenge on Saturday, July 14.
The event will see participants take part in charity walk from Plough Corner, in Little Clacton.
He said: “I’m excited and nervous at the same time. It’s a massive challenge and I’ve never done anything to this extreme before.
“I’m hoping the money I raise can help find a cure for cancer or treatments that can help.”
Matt has already raised about £500 but is hoping to double it before he hits the road.
To donate, go to relay.cancerresearchuk.org and search Matt Clowes.
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