Matthew and Karen will both be running the Royal Parks Half Marathon, Karen setting the pace by running on October 12th 2025 and Matthew joining the party a year later with his place now confirmed for October 2026. Both set themselves the challenge as they move into their 50s, together with raising vital money for The Sick Children’s Trust. This charity provided support to Matthew’s youngest son Thomas following his challenges at birth and time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.

The Sick Children’s Trust is a charity that provides a welcome ‘Home from Home’ where families with a sick child in hospital can stay. The Sick Children's Trust were able to provide a home on the site of the hospital for Thomas' family and friends, so they could have a base and be able to stay close to Thomas. ‘Acorn House’ became home for 2 weeks and made a huge difference at such a scary time.

Acorn House is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s friendly, caring staff are there to support the whole family and friends when it is really needed. Hospitals can be a lonely and scary place for anyone, but especially a child. Providing families with somewhere to stay together just minutes from the hospital enables them to have their child by their side and have one less thing to worry about.