Wrexham dad takes on marathon mission for Hope House

Leader Live

2 days ago

For his next challenge, Matt Jones, from Wrexham, will be power hiking 26 marathons consecutively in 26 days, from John O'Groats to London with the fridge freezer on his back, finishing with the London Marathon itself on April 26, 2026.
Matt's last challenge called 'One Bet' saw him complete a 112km walk across the Clwydian Range with the fridge, including 15,000ft of elevation gain, to honour a bet he made with his late wife Vicky and their four children.
Matt Jones on his last challenge.
Vicky passed away in December 2024. Highlighting her mantra of "never be normal, never be boring", and setting a positive example to his children drove Matt to raising an incredible £75,000 for Hope House Tŷ Gobaith.
Announcing the new challenge, Matt said: "This isn't just a stunt - it's a tribute from me and children to Vicky.
"It's about strength in the face of loss. It's about the families supported by Hope House.
"It's a reminder that with the right team, the right cause, and a bit of madness - anything is possible."
He added: "Doing the Llangollen challenge genuinely helped me a lot. But after our visit to Hope House, we were inspired to do something else.
"I popped a message in a WhatsApp chat I have with my support crew and the idea of going from Llangollen to London for the Marathon came up.
"The guys humoured me, saying it wasn't far enough, and all downhill to the Capital.
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"So we thought, where is the furthest place in Britain from London? John O'Groats, Scotland.
"My brother-in-law, Simon, worked it out that the distance is exactly that of 26 marathons - so there it was.
"Coming back from visiting Hope House with the kids, we spoke about it and stopped the car. I asked them, 'are we going to do this?' and the answer was a resounding 'yes'."
Matt Jones aka Fridge Freezer Man and his 'Wolfpack' present their fundraising cheque at Hope House.
Matt said: "This challenge really is the next level for us as a team. It's over 1,000km.
"But, with the support of my crew and The Wolfpack (my children) I know we can do it.
"The training plan has started. I'm mostly worried how the feet and prosthetic hip will hold up… physically and mentally I know we can do this.
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"I've got a few big hitters lined up to join me in support and spread the message.
"Expect a few surprises and stunts along the way."
Hope House Tŷ Gobaith fundraiser, Vicky Bradbeer, said: "This is the biggest and most intense fundraising challenge I've seen.
"Matt's reasoning for doing the challenges is so meaningful and we are incredibly grateful to him.
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"Vicky, his children, all his family, friends and team must be immensely proud of him - as are we.
"Everything this incredible test raises will go directly to providing professional care and respite for local children and families living with a life-threatening condition.
"Our mission is to reach every child and family we can and give them support to live their best possible lives and from the point of diagnosis."
To follow Matt's epic adventures, search Fridge Freezer Man on Facebook and Instagram.
You can donate to his hospice fundraising page at: tinyurl.com/3cduwhp