Ten-year-old’s 100-mile bike ride raises £500 for Brain Tumour Research

Matthew Wood (10) took on the challenge for the national charity Brain Tumour Research in tribute to Catcliffe student Aaron Wood, who died in December last year aged 24.

Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to the disease. 

Matthew, of Great Sankey, Warrington, said he was determined to do his bit to help redress the balance. 

Originally setting off on his bike to raise £100, he finished his 100-mile challenge with more than five times that amount thanks to the generosity of friends and family.

Mum Cathy said: “We are so, so proud of him. 

“He started in August and completed most of his rides in September. 

“His challenge took him off-road, along cycle trails and he also got to ride at the Manchester velodrome which he absolutely loved.

“Matthew was accompanied by either me or his dad, his brother Joseph and also his grandad so it’s been a bit of a team effort although Matthew was the only one who completed the whole 100 miles.”

Aaron underwent surgery and radiotherapy and managed to go back to university to complete his studies and graduate with a 2:1 in philosophy. 

His dying wish, for scientists to use his brain to further their knowledge of brain tumours, was fulfilled.

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-wood33 to make a donation to Brain Tumour Research via Matthew's JustGiving page.