A DETERMINED schoolboy has completed a gruelling lockdown challenge after riding 874 miles, the distance from Lands End to John O’Groats.

Matty Ross, 12, from Northwich, has raised more than £1,700 for St Luke’s Hospice where his dad Martin is a volunteer counsellor.

Matty completed the final leg at the hospice in Winsford

Matty completed the final leg at the hospice in Winsford

Matty completed the final leg at the hospice in Winsford

The sports enthusiast, who plays rugby, cricket and hockey, started his marathon on his exercise bike at home in January.

Mum Clare, a Winsford GP, said: “We are so proud of how he never gave up and stuck with it. It has taken 54 bike rides.”

Matty cycles past St Lukes Hospice charity shop in Hartford

Matty cycles past St Luke's Hospice charity shop in Hartford

Matty cycles past St Luke's Hospice charity shop in Hartford

The St Nicholas Catholic High School pupil cycled the final leg from his home in Hartford to the hospice in Winsford.

And despite taking a tumble over the handlebars as he was riding through Whitegate, he kept on going.

“Matty had a massive graze on his back and a bruised arm but he dusted himself off and got back on the saddle and pushed through to complete the challenge,” said Clare.

Despite tumbling over the handlebars as he was riding through Whitegate, Matty kept on going

Despite tumbling over the handlebars as he was riding through Whitegate, Matty kept on going

Despite tumbling over the handlebars as he was riding through Whitegate, Matty kept on going

“He has really enjoyed doing it. He only set out to raise £500 and is overwhelmed by how much has been donated.

“We want to say a massive thank you to everyone for their generosity.”

Matty plays rugby for Winnington Park Rugby club, hockey for Winnington Park Hockey Club and is a membmer of Northwich Cricket Club.

Angela Slack, community partnerships manager for St Luke’s Hospice, greeted Matty as he completed his marathon and thanked him personally.

Afterwards, she said: “Congratulations to Matty on his amazing achievement. We are in awe of the determination and commitment he has shown at such a young age and can’t thank him enough for choosing to support St Luke’s with his fundraising.

“He has raised an incredible amount of money which will make such a difference to the patients and families we care for and support. Thank you to Matty and everyone who has sponsored and supported him on his challenge.” 

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/matty-rossco