Ray plans next epic endurance run

The 71-year-old took on the ‘Round Rotherham’ 50 mile run three times in a row over one weekend last October, in aid of Whiston’s Newman School.

Matthews raised enough cash to present the school with a specially adapted trike, for the enjoyment of disabled children.

And now that he’s completed one mission, he’s onto the next.

The inspirational athlete told the Guardian: “The best way to work your way through life when you’re older is planning something to do before you’ve finished the thing you’re doing, so you’ve always got something to look forward to.”

The challenge he’s planning is another epic run, across the country for a staggering 190 miles.

“I’ll be running coast to coast in June, from just above Liverpool across to Robin Hood’s Bay and I’m really looking forward to it.”

He says the success of his fundraising efforts from the 150 mile Round Rotherham run last year have spurred him on.

In February ,he was able to present the trike to Newman School, an experience that made his endurance running all worthwhile.

“It was amazing really, I was beaming ear to ear,” he said.

“They’re using the trike frequently which is what I was hoping.”

Today (Friday) marks the start of another adventure for Matthews, with another trip to St Quentin in France to renew friendships with the local running club.

He explained: “Maltby Running Club have struck up a great relationship with the runners there, they come over here one year and then we go there the next.”

“They treat us like Olympic stars, there’s an incredible reception and we try to do the same for them.”

n Six Maltby Running Club athletes are preparing for the biggest race of the year, the 2013 London Marathon.

The group is made up of Sarah Attwood, Barbara Rusling, Lindsay Rust, Colin Copestake, Nigel Deakin and Steve Marshall.

Ray Matthews presents a modified bike to Newman School pupils Josh Harrod and Junayd Boston.