A KEEN cyclist will be pushing his body to the limit this weekend as he takes on a 200 mile challenge in one day.

Matt Claydon, who is part of the Maldon Cycling Club, will cycle 200 miles on Sunday through the Essex countryside including the Dengie Peninsula to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The 46-year-old from Tolleshunt D’Arcy only started cycling properly just over a year ago, but is prepared for the challenge after months of training and thousands of miles cycled.

Mr Claydon said: “I absolutely love cycling and it has changed my life for the better. I have lost two-and-a-half stone in a year and I am leading a healthier lifestyle then I ever have had before.

“But I needed a goal, something to keep pushing me to keep going. That is how the idea of this charity bike ride came about. It was like ‘why not – let’s give it a go’.

“I have put a lot of miles and training in over the past couple of months, but now I just want to get going.

“I have done about 6000 miles of cycling since I took up the sport. I have done 150 miles in a day before, but to do my first double century will be very tough. It won’t be just a physical challenge, but a mental one as well.”

Matt has full support from his work team at Calorex, with £1000 being raised through the company alone, who have already promised to top up the total by a further £200 when his challenge is completed.

He added: “All of the staff have donated in some way. I had an initial target of what I wanted to raise, but I have gone way beyond that.

“However, I haven’t given up hope of raising more. The work that Cancer Research UK do is amazing, and I want to raise as much as I can.”

Matt will set off at 4am on Sunday from his home in Tolleshunt D’Arcy and expects to arrive at the Queens Head pub in Maldon at approximately 4pm.

To donate, visit http://bit.ly/2tsM85p.