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Dad tackles 300-mile cycle tribute ride for son, Toby

June 28, 2024

In a remarkable feat of endurance and dedication, Matthew has completed a gruelling 300-mile fundraising bike ride from Surrey to Devon in memory of his 9-year-old son, Toby, who passed away in May.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas in 2022, Toby was diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare brain disease that irreversibly damages the brain and spinal cord.  


Following Toby’s diagnosis, the whole family were supported by Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and were able to spend time with him at our Guildford hospice, Christopher’s, to say goodbye and make precious memories.

In tribute, Matthew decided to fundraise for Shooting Star during his cycling mission, as well as for the Make Way Foundation, which he and his family established to buy wheelchairs for children with disabilities.

On 22 June, Matthew set off from Christopher’s, alongside friends Neil and David and cycled 100 miles a day over three consecutive days, tackling numerous hills along the way.


Following the conclusion of their first leg of the journey, they stopped at Tadley Rugby Club who picked the Make Way Foundation as their President’s Charity for this year.

For the second day, the trio were joined by Paul and Richard from the rugby club, who offered additional support and camaraderie before finishing at the town of Langport in Somerset.

On day three, Matthew, Neil and David completed the ride, finishing at Unique Mobility, a retailer from whom the Make Way Foundation bought its first chair.


The funds raised by Matthew and his friends will help Shooting Star Children’s Hospices to support families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or who have been bereaved, across Surrey, south-west London and north-west London. If his fundraising journey has inspired you to take on your own challenge, visit our events here.