By Jack Evans

A WOMBWELL man is donning his biking gear this June for a cross-country ride in aid of Barnsley Hospice.

Matthew Goodwin, a communications officer at the hospice, previously completed a successful coast-to-coast ride from Southport to Hornsea in 2023.

This time he will be cycling from Tynemouth to Ravenglass - which consists of around 150 miles in two days.

He said: “I started at the hospice in December and while I knew what they did beforehand, my eyes have really been opened to the incredible work they do.

“A lot of people in difficult circumstances come through our doors and I’m blown away by how much the hospice means to so many people in Barnsley.

“It’s a real privilege to work here but I want to put my money where my mouth is and do that extra bit.”

Matthew was partly inspired to undertake the challenge by a patient he was working with.

He added: “I was looking after one service user who told me about the bike holidays he used to go on in France with his wife.

“I thought that while he couldn’t physically do it anymore, I can, and it just felt like the least I could do to help people.”

It’s hoped that Matthew can raise around £2,000 - with all funds going directly to the hospice.

He’s been training hard recently and is looking forward to both the challenging route and the chance to remember the people he’s cared for.

He said: “It’s going to be tough, there is a fair bit of climbing, but I can put myself through a bit of pain compared to those who come through our doors.”