Matt steps up to help charities
AN East End man was on top of the world after he completed a marathon challenge to coin in cash for good causes. Kind- hearted Matt Donald climbed to the top of 928m tall Bla Bheinn on the Isle of Skye following a near 180- mile trek from his Royston home.
The 46- year- old father- of- three cycled from his home to the Inner Hebrides as part of his bid to raise for Blackhill Bike Club and Royston Youth Action, two organisations close to his heart.
His efforts have now netted the Glasgow charities more than £ 1000 between a GoFundMe page and collected cash, smashing all expectations.
“Although the cycling was hard it was worth it to climb this hill,” Matt said. “Out of the 121 munros I have climbed, including in the Black Cuillin and Aonach Eagach ridge and Forcan ridge and An Teallach, this has been my most favourite to date.
“It’s also the first time I’ve been on Skye in the mountains where I could actually see the views.
“I’d like to give my thanks to everyone who has supported me and for the donations on my page.
“I’d also like to thank the St Roch’s guys, wee Linda at the Budgie Bar, and my mum for collecting sponsor sheet donations.
“My wee brother Brian also needs a mention for all the miles he did to support me.”
Matt’s challenge took him from the East End, passing by his chosen causes and St Roch’s James McGrory Park home, through the likes of Mallaig en route to the munro.
The former St Roch’s player – who is dad to Heather, 17, Eilidh, 14, and 21- year- old Catriona – took on the daunting task after being inspired by the work of the organisations.
Blackhill has given out scores of free and discounted bikes to locals during lockdown while daughter Heather has been a member of the Royston Youth Action for a number of years.
“Heather has been able to go to Finland and places like that all because of the youth group,” he previously said.
“My own bike broke at the start of lockdown and the youth club gave me a bike and actually gave one to anyone who wanted one.
“The Blackhill Club were fixing the bikes and they weren’t charging them to people who couldn’t afford them.”
You can still donate to Matt’s fundraiser by visiting here: https:// tinyurl. com/ yx9bcdpa
I’d like to give my thanks to all who gave me their help