Bpositive supporter Mat's cycle ride from Newcastle to London

In August, Bpositive supporter Mat will be cycling from Newcastle to London in 24 hours. Mat will be raising money for Lavender Trust, a charity that funds information and support for young women with breast cancer. Mat's aim is to raise £5 for every mile pedalled, and has a target of £1,500 which he hopes to raise - equating to  £5 for every one of his 300 miles challenge.

The charity Mat is raising funds for is one that is close to his heart and in his own words, he explains why;  

"In 2010 my aunt, Rae, lost a two year battle with breast cancer. In that time, my family also discovered we were carrying a mutated form of the gene BRCA1 (google it), a gene responsible for the increased chance of female cancer. As a result, they estimate that the chances of a female carrier getting a female cancer in their lifetime could be as high as 80%. 

In real terms, this means that my Mum, big Sister, little Sister, Niece, Cousins, Daughters and all future generations of women will be at risk. (And not to forget the other families carrying this gene.)

Together the women of my family have already participated in runs, walks and sky dives, raising money for various cancer charities. They've been incredibly strong and brave. For that, I feel humongously proud.

It's my turn to show some support, so cycling 24 hours for a great charity seems like an easy thing to do."

If you think you can help Mat out for a mile or two then please visit his JustGiving page and donate!

Mat in training for his 300mile challenge from Newcastle to London for Lavender Trust

Sponsor Mat here