Son’s marathon fundraiser

Sep 19 2008 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

Son’s marathon fundraiser

A MAN whose father has cancer will run 180 miles between his home and London, cycle 1,400 miles between Calais and Gibraltar, and swim 12 miles across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco in aid of charity.

Matthew Bennett, 33, who trains for three hours a day at Total Fitness in Chester where he does 120 lengths of the 25 metre pool in each session, will raise for money for the Prostate Cancer charity.

The Rossett resident said: “I’ve always been very sporty but the longest I’ve ever run is in half-marathons. Most of my fitness has been gained from playing rugby.”

“My dad Martin was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago. He’s had to go through chemotherapy and sadly the cancer is inoperable. The statistics are frightening – one in 11 men get the disease; 10,000 men a year die from it. But it doesn’t get the funding other cancers get, yet it’s very preventable.”

Matthew, who helps run Bellis Brothers Garden Centre and Farm Shop in Holt, wants to raise £250,000 from the month long trek which starts in March 2009.

Matthew became a dad for the first time 10 months ago, when daughter Jessica was born, and his second child is due just before he sets off.

Between now and then, money is being raised through events including a charity dinner at Caldy Rugby Club, where sporting memorabilia signed by the England cricket team and Sky Sports presenters will be up for auction.

Matthew believes the cost of his super triathlon will be about £20,000.

“The swim alone will cost £1,700 because you have to pay for the support boat, the boat’s pilot and the coastguard.”

You can support Matthew by visiting his website, www.suckitup.co.uk, or by e-mailing mhbennett@hotmail.com