Charity Cycling Challenge

A FATHER and son have saddled up to cycle 1,000 miles to raise vital funds for their local children’s hospice.

 Matt Burke, 42, and his son Finley, 12, started their cycling challenge of a lifetime at the beginning of June and will cycle 1,000 miles across Essex and neighbouring counties by September 1, around their work and school hours.

Mr Burke used to live in Daws Heath, Thundersley, near where Little Havens is located and remembers the hospice being built. His father-in-law has supported the charity in the past.

Some of Mr Burke’s close friends have had loved ones cared for by Havens Hospices, so it is personally a significant charity to raise funds for.

The pair had, at the time of writing, cycled over 130 miles so far and are enjoying their adventure, but it is also a big challenge.

Mr Burke said: “It is tough for us, I’m overweight and very unfit, and suffer with joint and back problems, gout, and have a very demanding job, which means I often work long days, sometimes seven days a week.

“Not a lot of spare time for a challenge like this, but this is already working well to make me spend less time at work and have more time with the family.”

The Burke’s are being cheered on by an army of family and friends, including wife and mum Laura, and Finley’s grandma.

He added: “We are very grateful to all who have donated and try to make sure we message everyone back.

“With over £1,600 already raised through JustGiving, on-route cash donations, and pledges, we are really looking forward to seeing how far this can go and how much of a difference we can make to the charity.

“If you do see us out on the roads, please do give us a wave, it really does brighten up our day and gives us that much-needed push.”

Finley is also very grateful for the support, he said: “A very big thanks to everyone who has donated, as those donations are going to make such a big difference to so many children.”

Susie May, Fundraiser at Havens Hospices, said: “It never ceases to amaze us how generous our local communities are.

“We know how much this challenge means to Matt and Finley and, thanks to their support, Little Havens will continue to give local families more time, more opportunities to do what’s important to them, more choice, and more control over their care, supporting everyone in our community to make every day of their life count.

“On behalf of everybody at Little Havens, thank you and we cannot wait to celebrate your achievement once you have finished your incredible adventure in September.”

To make a donation, please visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/bbbc2023. Follow their challenge on Instagram @burkeysbigbikingchallenge2023.

To find out more about fundraising for Little Havens, visit: havenshospices.org.uk/fundraising

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