From Paris With Love

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After Ealing helped get local on his bike for Meningitis, Matt returns to say thanks.

You may have spotted Ealing Today subscriber Matt Weaveron his fundraising quest. He was the one with no hair, waxed legs and a penchant for exercise bikes.

The 24-year-old Analytical Consultant pledged to raise at least £1000 by cycling over 300 kilometres from London to Paris in aid of the Meningitis Trust. And he generated a chunk of it at Ealing Fairtrade fashion show in Northfields on Saturday 3rd March He'd almost doubled that figure when he finally got on his bike.

“It was almost as challenging as the cycle itself because I had to vouch to do many pre-cycle mini challenges to encourage people to sponsor me”.

His pre-cycle fundraising included him cycling in fancy dress on an exercise bike in public on Northfields Avenue for five hours straight, having his legs waxed, and having his hair shaved off the night before the ride.

His hardships paid off, enabling him to raise almost double his predicted figure. But once he'd got the money together there was the small matter of doing the bike ride.

The arduous three-day ride started in London and finished in Paris beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower. “I wanted to have a go at this London to Paris Cycle because I have never done anything like it before and to prove to myself that I could rise to the challenge. It wasn’t exactly a ride in the park though and I had no idea there were so many hills between London and Paris! But the Trust’s organisation of the ride was excellent and with the support, encouragement and comradeship of my fellow riders and sponsors, and the Meningitis Trust staff, it was a wonderful sense of achievement to have got there and to raise money to help the Meningitis Trust provide long-term support for those affected by Meningitis” continued Matthew.

Matt and his 37 colleagues' efforts helped raise over £42,000 for the charity during the course of the ride.

“Meningitis is a devastating disease that can strike anyone at any age without warning”, said Matthew. “The signs are often difficult to spot because early on they can be like those of colds and flu. Knowing the symptoms not only saves lives but can also help prevent the savage after-effects that meningitis can cause. The Meningitis Trust have been very supportive to a close member of my family over the years who has suffered from the illness. This persuaded me to raise money for the charity so they can continue to do the great work that they do.

“I cannot stress how much I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience from start to end and definitely have no regrets for getting involved. It’s great to know I have contributed to helping to many people in battling the illness and getting on with their lives. I would definitely recommend the London to Paris cycle challenge to anyone wanting to raise money for the Meningitis Trust. I promise they will not be disappointed”.

Once his legs fully recover Matt hopes to begin training for the Great North Run in September, which he is also doing for the Meningitis Trust.

 

July 3, 2007