Crowds turn out for Matt

BBC One Show presenter Matt Baker pedalled through Gainsborough last Tuesday during his rickshaw challenge from York to Lincoln.

People lined the streets from Morton to Lea to cheer the tired traveller on his way.

“It’s the least we can do to come out and support him,” said Tim Davies.

“Gainsborough’s not getting the Olympic torch, we’ve got this instead.”

Arriving rather later than expected, just after 6pm, at Morton Village Hall, Matt was welcomed by the village Brownies and the after school club from Morton Trentside school.

“The kids loved it and most of them recognised him from the telly,” said after school co-ordinator Claire Duncan.

“They waved and cheered and got very excited. And he waved back but he looked very tired.”

Matt, who was on the 78 mile York to Leeds leg of his 484 mile ride, stopped at the village hall for a massage and some food.

His route started on the Castle Esplanade in Edinburgh and ended in London during the The One Show’s BBC Children in Need live special on Friday.

He cycled up to ten hours a day and burned a daily total of up to 9000 calories.

Matt passed through East Stockwith, Walkerith and Morton before heading into Gainsborough.

Veteran cyclist and cycle shop owner Trevor Halstead was waiting for Matt at the junction of Bridge Street and Lea Road in Gainsborough.

“I’m going to cycle all the way to Lincoln with him if they’ll let me,” said Trevor, 53.

“It’s about 20 miles from here and I think he’ll need some company. I’ve also got some energy snacks for him.”

Sadly, it was one of the most painful and tiring days for Matt and he did not make it to Lincoln in time for the 7pm link up with the One Show studio.

Crowds waited patiently until he rolled up at around 10pm to rapturous applause.

To donate £5, text “MATT” to 70705, texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message.

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