When Mathew and his younger brother Will decided take on Defeat Delamere 2025, their goal was simple: spend some time together, take on a challenge that suited them both, and do it all for a cause close to their hearts.
“Our Grandad on our Mothers side suffered with lung-based health issues, so this charity really means something to us, as it does a lot of people”, Mathew explains. “It felt good to do something worthwhile together – we both work long hours and can go weeks without seeing each other.”
The brothers might share the same sense of humour and determination, but their fitness levels couldn’t be more different. Will, an ex-Royal Marine and current Firearms Officer, competes in Hyrox events and marathons, and is rarely out of the gym. Mathew, on the other hand, is an accomplished Account Director for a tech firm raising young children – often travelling for meetings and spending long hours at a desk.
“I play football once a week, but that’s about it,” he laughs. “So while Will was chatting all the way round, I was just concentrating on not being sick!”
The course itself proved to be a test. “The start was brutal – uphill straight away and tough on the thighs. Some people were walking that part! Finishing around the lake was great, though; you know the end is in sight. I made full use of both water stations (big thanks to the volunteers) and when we hit the last 2km, Will said, ‘Let’s get a move on and come in under 60 minutes.’ We powered through and finished in 58:01. I was so relieved to cross that line.”
It was only Mathew’s third time ever running a 10km, having previously completed Delamere two years earlier and the Nantwich 10km earlier this year. “I didn’t do any training but I wanted to push myself to see if I could do it. My day job requires plenty of mental resilience, but this was definitely a physical one too!”
Despite the ten-year age gap, the event was a great opportunity for the brothers to reconnect. “We’ve never done much competitive sport together. Will was away in the Marines for four years, so it was nice to take something on side by side. There’s no rivalry between us; there’s no point! He was brilliant, really helping me pace myself and keeping me going. Without him there, I think I might have stopped or even dropped out.”
Reflecting on the day, Mathew says he’s proud to have supported a cause that means so much to their family. “It’s a pleasure to raise awareness for such an important foundation. The volunteers make it all happen, and the funds raised help so many families across the UK. I’m really glad to have been part of it.”
As for the future, Mathew hasn’t ruled out another go. “We might make it an annual thing – but I won’t be going any further than 10km!” he jokes. “I’d definitely recommend it to anyone, though. It’s not about how fast you do it, it’s about having a go – and finishing.”