Head chef Matt Cripps, 46, has raised more than £700 for the Broughton House veteran care village in Salford after completing the annual Manchester-Blackpool bike ride in blistering summer heat. The 60-mile journey from MediaCityUK in Salford Quays to Blackpool's South Promenade took him six-and-a-half hours, with temperatures reaching 34°C.
Training and Determination
Cripps, who lives in Denton, prepared for the challenge with a strict six-week training regimen that included swimming, treadmill running, rowing, and regular ice baths. Despite hitting a wall near Preston, he pushed through to finish the ride. He said: “The training really helped, but it felt like I’d hit a brick wall around Preston. I pushed myself and cracked on because I was determined to see it through to the very end for such a great cause. I did get sunburnt, but had an ice bath when I arrived home, which helped me cool down and recover.”
Personal Mission to Support Veterans
The chef, who joined Broughton House permanently earlier this year after a temporary stint, undertook the challenge as a personal thank you to the residents he serves daily. His time in the RAF Cadets as a teenager gave him a deep respect for former servicemen and women. He explained: “They’re heroes, but they’ve done enough. It’s our turn to give something back. The challenge meant a lot to me because I was in the RAF Cadets as a teenager. I signed up to do basic training after leaving school, but the kitchen was my true calling. While I may have opted for a career in food instead, it feels like I’ve come full circle by working to serve the veterans at Broughton House. Being here gives you a lot of perspective. I talk to our residents all the time and hear their stories. I’ve been so inspired by them and am passionate about the place. The ride felt like the least I could do to show support for them. It’s not just the veterans at Broughton House that we help. We also work with veterans in the community through our Armed Forces Support Hub, signposting them to key services, combatting isolation and much more.”
Community Pride and Impact
Karen Miller, chief executive of Broughton House, praised Cripps' effort: “Matt’s dedication to raising funds for our veterans epitomises the camaraderie and community spirit that Broughton House is well-known for. We’re all incredibly proud of Matt for his fantastic achievement, and the charity will ensure that monies raised will contribute to the ongoing care and support of our veterans, both in the home and within our local community.” The funds will support veterans living at the home and those in the wider community through the Armed Forces Support Hub.
