Motorcyclist from Kew scrambling for Africa
7:00am Monday 24th September 2012 in News By Amy Dyduch
Ready to go: Matt Fenton hopes to raise £5,000
A motorcyclist will follow in the tyre tracks of royalty when he rides 1,000 miles in 11 days for charity.
Matt Fenton will take part in Enduro Africa 2012, riding the trail down the east coast of South Africa once blazed by Princes William and Harry in 2008.
The 33-year-old said: “It’s going to be gruelling, but I am happy to take it on. I will be riding for eight hours a day through bush land, crossing rivers, ascending difficult terrain and generally trying not to fall off too much.”
Mr Fenton will be one of 100 riders on Honda bikes for the challenge in the first two weeks of October.
He said: “I am told the trip is physically and mentally draining and is more of a test of endurance than skill on a bike. Either way it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m ready.
“The flights are booked, the gear purchased and tested and I’ve even been to a training weekend in Wales to prepare for the type of terrain I will be facing.”
Mr Fenton, who has just moved to Kew, hoped to raise at least £5,000 for four different charities.
Unicef, Sentebale, the Nelson Mandela Children Fund and Touch Africa all stand to gain from Mr Fenton’s efforts.
Mr Fenton is funding the trip himself and said each charity focused on different aspects of helping African communities. The money will help provide aid, food and medicines to some of theworld’s poorest children.
He said: “Because there are four charities I am unable to set up a Just Giving website.
“Therefore I am asking people to pledge donations that I will collect before the trip in October.”
Donations can be sent to Matt Fenton Enduro Africa, Claude Fenton Holdings ltd, Unit 1 Kennet Weir Business Park, Arrowhead.
