Marvellous Matt Completes Epic Unicycle Challenge

Published: Thursday 14th June 2012

 

You may remember back in September that we covered a story about Round Table member Matt Browning training for his attempt to complete a unicycle ride from Bridlington to Morecambe in aid of Round Table Children’s Wish.

 

We are delighted to announce that after 11 months of training, Matt completed his marathon ride arriving at Morecambe Bay after travelling 150 miles in 14 hours.

 

The 44-year-old chairman of Frodsham Round Table (2011-12) triumphed over tough terrain, wind and rain riding his unicycle with the help of a support team.

 

Starting on Saturday June 2, he took only 14 hours and 37 minutes to complete his wheeled mission and in doing so has so far raised £4,000 for Round Table Children’s Wish. Matt completed the challenge on a special unicycle with a larger, more robust wheel.

 

The father-of-one, who only learnt to unicycle last July, said: “I’ll never forget the feeling of elation at reaching Morecambe Bay or the stunning scenery and public support I encountered along the way. 

 

“The challenge certainly took its toll on my legs and abdominal muscles but knowing that the money raised and publicity generated is helping to grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses was all the motivation I needed.

 

“I know it sounds like a cliché but I couldn’t have done it without the help of my mum. She’s fantastic. She was driving the van following me and was there at 5am passing me energy gels to keep me going.

 

“The support I’ve had from friends and family is immense,  and a special thanks to Martin Cleworth who rode a good portion of the route with me, assisting with awkward and busy roads, literally stopping traffic and providing words of encouragement when I most needed it.”

 

The event was one of hundreds of ways in which Round Table members and fundraisers are travelling 10 miles or more as part of Round the World for Wishes.

 

The aim is to collectively travel the distance of the circumference of the globe and help grant wishes for children with life threatening illnesses.

 

 

 

In honour of the Jubilee he dressed patriotically in Union Jacks and also had a flag mounted on his unicycle.

 

There’s still time to sponsor Matt and boost his fundraising at www.virginmoneygiving.com/mattbrowning