A WIRRAL Hospice St John's supporter took on a fundraising cycle in his dad's memory at the weekend.

Matty Pree from Moreton used his one hour's exercise during lockdown on Saturday for the 18.8 mile challenge, that raised over £1,000.

Wearing only cycle-patterned boxer shorts and a cycling helmet, he took in a route from Moreton taking in Upton, Arrowe Park, the 'Barnston Blast', Heswall, Thurstaston, West Kirby, and through Hoylake and back home.

Matty has been nicknamed 'Cyclo Matt' by members of Wirral Hospice St John's fundraising team as the borough's answer to Liverpool's Speedo Mick - who raised more than £340,000 for charity by walking 1,000 miles from John O'Groats to Land's End.

He had planned a 190-mile bike ride challenge this summer, but has had to put that on hold until next year because of social distancing measures as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Matty has completed a number of bike rides to raise funds for the hospice in tribute to his dad Ronnie, who passed away there in 2015.

Praising the hospice staff, Matty said: "We've tried to help the hospice a little bit ever since we saw the care dad received there.

"The people were absolutely brilliant with him, and with us. Second to none.

"Normally I’d be in full bike gear for the challenges but as I only had an hour, and the weather was quite good, I thought the ‘boxies’ idea might appeal a bit more to potential sponsors."

A hospice spokesperson told the Globe: "Some well-wishers had come out, observing the social distancing rules of course, to cheer Matty on his way and Saturday and there was only one 'near miss.' 

"The lady who hadn't quite noticed Matty, causing him to swerve and halt was very apologetic and, once Matty had explained the challenge, the lady agreed to make a contribution to the fund.

"Matty has raised a few thousand pounds for the hospice previously and this one special ride has already gained more than £1,100 of sponsorship, smashing his £500 target." 

If you’d like to see the route Matty took, and maybe give the fund a boost, check out Matty’s ‘Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-pree4

The spokesperson continued: "We'll all be looking forward to Matty’s 190 miler *From Chepstow to CH46 in 2021* ride.

"Somehow we don’t think he’ll be doing that one in his boxers!"

If you would like to do a special challenge for the hospice which stays within the limitations of the current lockdown please get in touch with fundraising@wirralhospice.org and the team will help you develop your idea and help you set up links to help raise those much appreciated funds.