An extraordinary endurance challenge is set to unfold across North Wales this weekend – and it involves a fridge freezer.

Matt Jones, from Wrexham, will be taking on a gruelling 112km trek with over 15,000ft of elevation gain across the Clwydian Range, carrying a fridge freezer strapped to his back, all in honour of a bet he made to his late wife.

The challenge, which starts on Saturday 31st May, must be completed in just 36 hours. It’s a physical and mental mountain!

Matt in training!

Challenge Accepted

Last September Matt was recovering in hospital after a hip replacement when a quip from Vicky to his surgeon turned into a family joke and bet.

Matt explained: “The surgeon was telling me I had to slow down, or I would cause further damage to other parts of my body.

“Vicky was sat in the corner of the room laughing whist telling the surgeon, 'You might as well talk to a brick wall.’

“I’d fractured my ankle and tore my achilles during the Llangollen 50k race in 2018 and my body mechanics haven’t been right since.

“Vicky then told the surgeon: 'Knowing this idiot he will try and complete it again with a fridge on his back!’

“I replied: 'I will do it twice, with a fridge freezer on my back'.

“Smiling and laughing whist shaking her head, Vicky said: 'You've got yourself a bet Mr Jones'.”

One Bet

The couple’s children brought the subject of the bet back up in conversation during January and it was known as ‘One Bet’.

“They asked me if I would do it - I said yes and training began soon after.”

Known as the "Fridge Freezer Man" on social media, Matt hopes to inspire others to believe in themselves, no matter how big the challenge.

Vicky was passionate about fundraising for Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith 

“I’m doing this to honour a bet I made, but more than that – it’s about proving that you can come back from anything.

"Vicky, my wife, used to say: ‘You are the only you – own it, rock it, feel it, embrace it, love it, and be it… be you!’ That mantra stuck with me, and it’s what I carry with me into the mountains.”

What started as a family joke became a serious mission, with Matt dedicating himself to months of intense, punishing training – often described as the toughest he’s ever faced.

“The mountains have become my church,” Matt says. “The training has been brutal, but it’s brought me peace and purpose. I didn’t think I’d be capable of something like this after my operation – but here I am.”

Matt's Journey

The challenge is called "One Bet" – and Matt has become a local legend in training, often spotted trekking up hills with a fully-loaded fridge freezer harnessed to his back.

All funds raised will help us continue to provide vital care and support to local children with life-threatening conditions and their families across Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire - a cause that was incredibly close to Vicky’s heart.

You can follow Matt’s journey and show your support here:

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