Matt nears his fundraising finale

Written by Sam Wilson, December 11, 2023

It started with a half marathon on World Haemophilia Day and, 10 gruelling events later, Matt Sutton’s epic fundraising campaign is about to cross the finish line.

Matt has already raised over £2,300 for the Haemophilia Society by completing four running half marathons, five swimming half marathons and a host of other swimming endurance events over the last 18 months.

On 17 December, he’ll complete his last event, the Richmond Half Marathon, and is hoping for a final burst of support to reach £3,000 in donations.

Matt said: ‘It’s been a lot, I’ve injured myself twice! But it’s been great and I actually felt quite emotional when I finished the marathon swim in November.

It has been an incredible experience and I’ve been taken aback by the response I’ve had. I’ve already exceeded my target and have raised over £2,300, but I’d like to get to £3,000.’

Matt was inspired to raise money for us by his grandma, Mary, who died in 2022, and his uncle David, who had severe haemophilia and was a victim of the contaminated blood scandal. Matt was only 16 when his uncle died of liver cancer. Mary would travel many miles by bus with David and Matt’s mum Marie when they were children so that David could be treated.

Although he was already a keen swimmer, Matt took up running during lockdown and was keen to combine the two sporting challenges to raise money for a cause which was important to his grandma.

Reflecting on his challenge, he said: ‘You don’t realise what a big commitment it is until someone points it out. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and I hope it has an impact.’

Matt won’t get too much time to relax when though. Next year he’s planning to raise more money for us by running the London Marathon!

Help Matt raise £3,000 for the Haemophilia Society by donating here.