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A former soldier has completed a year of challenges to raise money for the children’s hospice where he works.

Matt Norman, operations lead at Children’s Hospice South West’s Charlton Farm Children’s Hospice in Wraxall, set himself eight tough challenges to complete in 2024 to raise money for the charity.

Matt, who joined CHSW in May 2023 after a distinguished army career, kicked off his year of fundraising activities in April with:

• 50km Bridge 2 Bridge Walk from Clifton Suspension Bridge to Pultney Bridge in Bath via the River Avon before finishing at his home in Kingswood.
• He then pulled on his running shoes for the Bristol Half Marathon in May before joining a team from Ethical Power, which has adopted CHSW as its charity of the year, in The Three Peaks Challenge.
• He also walked from his home in Kingswood to the hospice every day for a week and used pedal power to take part in CHSW’s Ride for Precious Lives and the Great Weston Ride in July.
• In November he completed his 11/11 Remembrance Challenge to walk, row or run 11 miles a day in a nod to his military career.
• The final challenge saw him lead an eight-hour fit-a-thon at David Lloyd in Long Ashton.

In his final challenge Matt, a former Sergeant Major, was joined by a team of supporters – including care and fundraising staff from the hospice, along with friends and family. Young people supported at Charlton Farm also attended to cheer Matt and his team along and there was a bucket collection and cake sale.

The last challenge saw Matt and his team row, cycle and circuit train in 20 minute slots between 8am and 4pm.

Matt said: “The challenges have been really enjoyable, although admittedly hard at times.”

The support I have had from everyone over the last months to get me through these challenges and help me raise funds has been incredible.

Initially Matt set himself a target of raising £5000, but has smashed that with the total now standing at £7,000.

“I was worried I wouldn't get to my £5,000 target, so to raise £7,000 is amazing,” said Matt.

It is brilliant to know that the money I have raised will help the team at Charlton Farm continue to vital work they do.

Matt is now planning to relax over Christmas but is already planning further fundraising challenges, including having already signed up to do CHSW’s Ride for Precious Lives in 2025.

CHSW Area Fundraiser for Area Fundraiser for B&NES and West Wiltshire Heidi Roberts said: “Matt’s drive and determination for all his challenges and fundraising have been remarkable. Matt understands the difference donations make to CHSW and his fundraising will make a huge difference to children with life limiting and life threatening conditions and their families”.

Anyone who wants to support Matt and make a donation can do so through his Just Giving page.