Matt's Amazing Tribute Raises Over £70,000

Inspired by the mantra of his late wife, Vicky, Wrexham’s Matt Jones has completed an awe-inspiring challenge that has now raised over £70,000 to support local children with life-threatening conditions and their families.

Honouring a heartfelt family bet made with Vicky, Matt set out on Sunday 31st May to trek 70 miles across the Clwydian Range - carrying a 90lb fridge freezer on his back. His strength, determination, and love for Vicky powered him through every step of this remarkable journey.

We are incredibly grateful to Matt for his courage, spirit, and the phenomenal support he’s inspired. His challenge is not only a touching tribute to Vicky, but a gift that will help us continue to be there for families when they need us most.

Matt Shares His Story On BBC Breakfast

Speaking of the incredible trek, ex-Marine Matt said: “I had to go deeper than ever before and take myself back to Commando training 23 years ago. 

“My whole body was screaming, and I hit breaking point early on after a fuelling error. 

“In the toughest moments, it was Vicky’s voice through our four children that was telling me: ‘You’ve got this, Be You’.” 

Vicky was a passionate supporter of Hope House Children’s Hospices, and we were truly touched when her husband Matt chose to honour her memory by setting up a tribute fund in her name. Inspired by Vicky’s love for our cause, Matt turned a light-hearted family bet into an extraordinary fundraising challenge - helping to make a lasting difference for the seriously ill children and families we care for. 

One Bet

The bet came about last September when Matt was recovering in hospital after a total hip replacement operation. 

Matt explained: “The surgeon was telling me I had to slow down. 

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

“She 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'.” 

Matt during his 70 mile challenge

The 42-year-old father of four, who keeps himself fit by playing rugby, continued: “The wind on parts of the route made the fridge freezer like a sail. 

“With the team by my side, we didn’t stop. 

“By the three peaks at Moel Fferna, it was all or nothing.  

“The distance in this wasn’t the issue, it was the 15,000ft of elevation. 

“We crossed Vivod as a team and came into Llangollen surrounded by family and friends with two hours to spare on our 36hr limit. 

“This challenge was never about fitness. It was about honouring a promise to my kids and keeping Vicky’s spirit alive. 

“Vicky’s mantra was: ‘You are the only you, own it, rock it, feel it, embrace it, love it, and be it… be you!’  

“Thank you to everyone, family, friends, supporters, I could not have done it without you. Especially Rich, Rob and Simon - the best support and pitstop crew I could have asked for. 

“We raised a lot of money for Hope House and if it inspired you even a little bit, then we’ve done our job.” 

A Heartfelt Thank You

Hope House Tŷ Gobaith fundraiser Vicky Bradbeer, said: "Wow! We are lost for words with Matt and his team's effort. 

"What an incredible challenge and the most beautiful of tributes to Vicky and example to his children who must be extremely proud” 

"£70,000 is an amazing amount of money raised and will go directly to providing free professional nursing and respite care to local children and families living with a life-threatening condition. 

"Thank you so much to everyone involved and to those who have so kindly donated and supported Matt with this unbelievable challenge” 

It’s not too late to donate by clicking below

Sponsor Matt

You can follow Matt on social media:  

Instagram: @fridge_freezer_man  

Facebook: Fridge freezer man