Later this month, one of our colleagues will be taking on an extraordinary physical challenge – not just to test himself, but to support a cause that is deeply personal to him and his family.
On 28 March, Matt Gould will take part in the Bath 50 Ultra Challenge, a demanding 50km circular route starting and finishing at Bath Racecourse. The event falls under the Ultra March category, meaning participants must complete the entire distance walking at a consistent brisk pace – no jogging or running allowed.
To earn the exclusive Ultra March medal, participants must complete the full 50km within 12 hours. While those who finish outside the target time still receive a medal and certificate, Matt has set his sights on finishing comfortably within the time limit.
Along the route, walkers pass through the beautiful countryside surrounding Bath, stopping at official rest stations to refuel before continuing the journey. But while the scenery may be stunning, 50 kilometres on foot is no small feat.
Matt, however, is approaching the challenge with determination and optimism.
A challenge inspired by experience
Matt is no stranger to endurance challenges. Last year, while on holiday in Yorkshire, he decided to attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge – a demanding 40km route climbing three mountains: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
The challenge must normally be completed within 12 hours.
Despite having no specific training beforehand, Matt completed the route in an impressive 10 hours and 56 seconds.
That experience gave him the confidence to take on something even bigger this year.
“I wanted to do something that would push me,” Matt explains. “There’s no point doing an event if it isn’t slightly challenging.”
Rather than signing up for a shorter race or charity run, he chose the 50km Ultra March, giving himself a goal that would truly test both physical endurance and mental resilience.
Walking for a cause close to home
While the challenge itself is significant, the reason behind it carries even greater weight.
In December last year, Matt’s mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The diagnosis led to a difficult period of hospital visits, scans and appointments – including time spent in hospital over the Christmas period.
In January, she underwent surgery to remove all visible cancer cells, which was successful. She is now recovering and preparing to begin six rounds of chemotherapy to remove any remaining cancer cells.
When Matt registered for the Ultra Challenge, participants could choose to fundraise for one of two charities: Macmillan Cancer Support or Target Ovarian Cancer.
Rather than choosing himself, Matt asked his mum to decide which charity he should support.
She chose Target Ovarian Cancer, explaining that while Macmillan is widely recognised, Target Ovarian Cancer is a smaller charity that deserves more visibility and awareness.
The cause also carries a deeper family history.
In 2001, Matt’s grandmother sadly passed away from ovarian cancer, making the charity’s mission even more meaningful for him.
“Those two things are a huge driving force for me during the event,” Matt says. “I want to help support the work the charity does, whether that’s raising awareness, supporting families or funding research.”
Preparing for the challenge
Even so, he has been building strength and endurance through a range of outdoor challenges and activities over the past year.
Recent adventures have included:
- Mountain hiking in North Wales
- Winter mountaineering and climbing in Scotland
- Completing the demanding 75 Hard challenge since the start of the year
Combined with his previous endurance experience, Matt feels optimistic about the upcoming challenge.
“I’m hoping for a great spring day – good weather, nice views over Bath, birds singing and being out in nature,” he says. “That’s what I’m looking forward to most.”
The power of support
One of the biggest motivations for Matt has been the incredible support he has already received.
Within two and a half days of sharing his fundraising page, family, friends and colleagues had helped raise over £1,000 – far exceeding the minimum fundraising requirement for the event.
For Matt, that support has meant everything.
If the challenge becomes difficult, he says he will remind himself of the strength his mum has shown throughout her treatment.
“Some achy legs or tired feet are nothing compared to what people going through cancer face.”
When asked to describe how he feels about taking on the challenge, Matt uses three words:
Supported. Optimistic. Confident.
And of those three, supported is the one that stands out the most.
Fuel for the finish line
Like many endurance athletes, Matt has already planned the snacks that will help keep him going throughout the walk.
His favourites include marshmallow squares and jelly cubes, simple energy boosts often used by endurance athletes and cyclists. And waiting for him at the finish line?
A well-earned Double Decker chocolate bar.
Supporting Matt’s challenge
Matt hopes that the challenge will not only raise funds but also increase awareness of ovarian cancer and the charities working to support families affected by it.
Donations can be made through Matt’s JustGiving page, where every contribution – no matter the size – helps support research, early diagnosis initiatives and support services for patients and their families.
If Matt’s story inspires others, he also hopes it might encourage people to take on challenges of their own.
“If you’ve ever thought about doing something for charity – just do it,” he says. “The time will pass anyway, so you may as well do something meaningful with it.”
Matt will also be sharing updates from the challenge and other outdoor adventures through his social channels under @on_a_wander, where he documents his travels and endurance experiences.
As the big day approaches, the whole YMCA Fairthorne Group team will be cheering him on.
Good luck, Matt – we’re all behind you.
