A DENTON chef swapped the heat of the kitchen for the blazing summer sun as he completed a gruelling 60-mile charity bike ride to raise money for military veterans.
Matt Cripps cycled from Salford Quays to Blackpool in temperatures of up to 34C as part of the Manchester-Blackpool bike ride.
The 46-year-old has raised more than £700 for Broughton House Veteran Care Village, where he works as head chef.
The challenge saw Matt set off from MediaCityUK before crossing the finish line on Blackpool’s South Promenade six-and-a-half hours later.
To prepare for the ride, the Tameside resident devised his own six-week training programme, combining swimming, cycling, treadmill and rowing machine sessions with regular dips in an outdoor ice bath and a high-protein diet.
Despite the preparation, the soaring temperatures took their toll.
Matt said: “The training really helped, but it felt like I’d hit a brick wall around Preston. I pushed myself and cracked on because I was determined to see it through to the very end for such a great cause. I did get sunburnt, but had an ice bath when I arrived home, which helped me cool down and recover.”
‘They’re heroes but they’ve done enough’
Matt joined Broughton House permanently earlier this year after initially working there on a temporary basis and says he was inspired by the sense of community among the residents.
He decided to take on the challenge as a way of giving back to the former servicemen and women living at the Salford care village.
“They’re heroes, but they’ve done enough. It’s our turn to give something back,” he said. “The challenge meant a lot to me because I was in the RAF Cadets as a teenager. I signed up to do basic training after leaving school, but the kitchen was my true calling.
“While I may have opted for a career in food instead, it feels like I’ve come full circle by working to serve the veterans at Broughton House.
“Being here gives you a lot of perspective. I talk to our residents all the time and hear their stories. I’ve been so inspired by them and am passionate about the place. The ride felt like the least I could do to show support for them.
“It’s not just the veterans at Broughton House that we help. We also work with veterans in the community through our Armed Forces Support Hub, signposting them to key services, combatting isolation and much more.”
Broughton House supports veterans both within its care home and in the wider community, providing a range of services aimed at tackling loneliness and helping former members of the Armed Forces access specialist support.
Karen Miller, Chief Executive of Broughton House, praised Matt’s fundraising efforts.
She said: “Matt’s dedication to raising funds for our veterans epitomises the camaraderie and community spirit that Broughton House is well-known for. We’re all incredibly proud of Matt for his fantastic achievement, and the charity will ensure that monies raised will contribute to the ongoing care and support of our veterans, both in the home and within our local community.”
Donations can still be made through Matt’s JustGiving page.