Cycle challenge to Paris brings support for Hospice Patients

Adam Matthews, a keen cyclist from Duxford decided to take on his latest “Mind boggling” challenge, in aid of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity this month (May 2024).

He challenged himself to cycle 300km from London to Paris, in under 24 hours.

Starting from Greenwich Park, London, on the afternoon of Saturday 4 May he cycled to Newhaven to catch the overnight Ferry to Dieppe, France. The Ferry arrived in Dieppe the early hours of Sunday morning.

The second leg on Adams challenge was a gruelling 126 miles taking over 11 hours to complete. Thankfully, the weather was favourable to all the participants when he then jumped back on the saddle and rode from Dieppe to the Eiffel Tower, arriving close to 3pm.

Adam explained his motivation for the challenge:

“After years of not riding my bike, at the start of the year, I questioned whether to sell it or not. I had been going to the gym over the winter to keep fit, when someone mentioned finding a challenge to complete. I’ve done Sportives in the past around the country and have had an interest in cycling since I was younger.

One evening I started looking on the internet at what type of cycling challenges were out there. One challenge I came across was the London to Paris in 24 hours. Instantly I was interested in it, having previously looked at the challenge years ago. It’s mad enough cycling from London to Paris at all, let alone in 24 hours! The next day I signed up for the challenge. “

Adam aged 29 years old, combined his passion to ride with his desire to help others by setting up his JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/page/adammatthews-londontoparis and asking his friends and family to sponsor his adventure. Knowing that Arthur Rank Hospice Charity cares for around 3,600 patients annually in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition it was a simple choice for Adam.

” My sister works at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and therefore seemed right that if I were to raise money for a Charity this was a great place to start. They have helped countless families at very difficult times.”

Sarah Clayton, Community Fundraiser commented:

“When people are inspired to challenge themselves personally, we are always thrilled that they use this as an opportunity to help others, as an excellent motivator. Together, they are making a difference and this is only possible with the support of our community.”

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If you would like to support people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and would like to take on your own challenge for the Charity, please email Sarah at challenges@arhc.org.uk or call 01223 675888.