A BIG-HEARTED Fairlie resident is taking on a mammoth cycle throughout June in aid of Maggie’s Centres - all on his lunch break.

Matt Burgess will be travelling over 250 miles during the course of the month to raise vital funds for the charity.

He says he has been training for weeks for the challenge, which will see him ride down the A78 each day during his hour's break.

Matt said: "I will be cycling from Fairlie to Portencross and back each day, so about 13 miles in total.

“I will need to get on the bike five times a week to make sure I hit the target. To train I’ve been going out three times every week, so it’s a little extra, but so far so good.

“My plan is to do the cycle every day in my lunch break. I am squeezing it in between time my kids and commitments with work.

“It will definitely be a challenge to keep it going almost every day for a month but I am determined to complete it."

Matt believes that fundraising for charities such as Maggie’s Centres is more important now than ever as a result of the pandemic.

He explained: “I’ve had members of my family and friends directly affected by cancer and when I saw an ad for Maggie’s Centres appealing for help, I knew what I had to do.

“I had a read over what was involved in the challenge and found out a bit more about what it is they do.

“It seemed like a good charity to fundraise for, especially now when a lot of similar causes have been hit financially by a lack of fundraising efforts during the pandemic.

“I just want to do what I can to help out a fantastic cause that is doing its best to support those affected by cancer.”

Matt has praised residents for their generosity so far - and says he might have to stay on his bike if donations keep rising.

He said: “My initial target was £250 and I have already raised more than that.

“The more I can collect the better. My bosses at Barclays have been great and say they will match all donations up to £1,000.

“People have been so kind and every penny really counts.

“The money coming in is the perfect motivation to keep going when it gets tough. I might even have to cycle more than 250 miles if the donations keep coming!”

Residents can pledge to Matt’s challenge at www.facebook.com/donate/1149433085466207/10165167694295006