Milton Keynes mountain bike pro raises £41,000 for hospice near Bedford

Professional mountain bike rider and Red Bull athlete Matt Jones has put his fundraising into top gear - raising an incredible £41,199 for the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice.

Matt, who competes internationally and has won the Colorado Freeride Festival and Farm Jam in New Zealand, was inspired to support the Moggerhanger hospice after hearing it needed public support during the coronavirus crisis.

Matt, from Milton Keynes, decided to offer his fans the chance to win an experience riding with him at a later date when it is safe to do so, plus the chance to win a new Marin Bike – in return for a donation to the hospice.

Matt said: "When my fiancée Rebecca saw on social media that Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice was in desperate need of support, we knew we had to do something to help. With a target of £10,000 we never dreamt we could reach such an amount as £41,199. The generosity of people at such an uncertain time has been incredible – thank you.”

Hayley Webb, senior community fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “It was humbling to hear from Matt and Rebecca when they asked if they could use their following to help our hospice during this difficult time.

"The prize was a once in a lifetime prize for a fan and it was amazing to see the donations go up every day. Matt and Rebecca have used their time in lockdown to not only keep their fans entertained, but to raise awareness about our hospice.

“To raise over £41,199 in two weeks is incredible and shows the difference lots of donations together can make. This will help us to continue to provide our expert palliative care and be there when it matters for people at the most difficult time of their lives. A huge thank you to them both for thinking of us and to everyone who donated.”

Find out more about Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice here