A LOCAL man will take on 1,500 miles from Bowburn in County Durham to Benidorm on the east coast of Spain in a “lovable banger” in aid of St Cuthbert’s Hospice. Matt Peveral will undertake the challenge in memory of his Grandad Geoff Bird who died at the hospice in 2014.
Matt from Langley Park said: “St Cuthbert’s Hospice provided amazing care for my Grandad in his final days. He loved the nurses and loved to open up the doors to his room that looked out over the gardens.”
“My Grandad celebrated his 85th birthday whilst at the Hospice and the nurses made it a really special day for the whole family. We had champagne together. It was a really memorable day.”
“I wanted to give something back to St Cuthbert’s as they cared for my Gran Vera and my Aunty Kath too. It’s such an incredible peaceful place and I’m so pleased to be able to support a local charity. You can see where your money goes when supporting something close by.”
The journey will be undertaken in a slightly worse for wear 2005 reg Vauxhall Zafira, which Matt’s fiancé Samantha will be “glad to have off the driveway”. Friends Gavin Dugdale and Ste Laing will accompany Matt on his fundraising challenge.
Matt said: “I was so close with my Grandad and we’ve lovingly named the car ‘Geoff’ after him. I’ll be sad to leave the car in Benidorm when we finish, though I won’t miss the dodgy gear box. Its prone to jump into reverse instead of 1st gear!”
Jade McArdle, Senior Community & Events Fundraiser at St Cuthbert’s Hospice said: “We wish Matt the best of luck in his adventure. We’re incredibly grateful to him for undertaking this challenge in aid of the hospice. Our little mascot ‘Cuthbert’ is going along for the ride too and we look forward getting some updates from him along the way. We hope as many people as possible support them.”
Matt will depart from Bowburn on 6th June and hopes to reach Benidorm by 10th June. To sponsor Matt on his journey please visithttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-Peverall1