A local business owner is currently walking 10k every day for 60 days in time for his 60th birthday, to raise money for a charity that means a lot to him. 

Jon Matthews lives in Simmondley, Glossop, and owns a successful engineering company called ITEC Power in Ashton. He is also currently Vice Chair of Dinting Cricket Club, Chair of the Tameside Pool League and High Peak Junior Football League respectively, treasurer of the Longdendale Pool League, and also recently joined the Board of Directors at Glossop North End AFC. 

The father-of-four and granddad-of-five came up with the idea for the challenge to celebrate his milestone and support Mummy's Star - a charity based in Hadfield which is dedicated to supporting pregnancy through cancer and beyond. 

"Coming up to 60 years old, it's a big time in anyone's life so I wanted to do something to celebrate that and do some good for somebody else," Jon told the Glossop Chronicle. 

"My left knee was fully replaced in October 2021 and I also went into hospital in January this year to have an operation to repair a hole in my stomach so I needed to start to do some exercise to help that recovery. 

"Some people say this might be a little bit too extreme but anybody who knows me knows that I cannot do anything by halves. If it doesn't feel like a real challenge, then it's not for me." 

Jon battling the elements recently to complete a 10k walk in the snow

'Everyone needs time to relax the mind'

Jon admits he's found the challenge - which started on 15 February - tough going but his enjoyment has grown as the days have passed. 

"The first week was really a challenge," he said. "I got to day five and had to do it on a Friday night and I did think 'why I am doing this?' but that's the only time I've felt like that. I'm now starting to enjoy going out and doing the walks a lot more, it's been really good fun." 

Tracking his progress on Strava, Jon has been out walking at all times of the day and night around the local area. He's already found it's been hugely beneficial for his mental and physical health.

"Physically I'm in a lot better place and I'm two stone lighter than I was after Christmas. The two hours in solitude - as I've been doing most of the walks on my own - give me time to clear my head. 

"I'm able to stop worrying about work and other things and it's time to relax. Everyone needs that time in a day to be able to relax the mind for your own mental health. 

"Most of the walks have been around the Glossop area - anywhere you can think of in the Glossop area, I've been to. I like to go out around the reservoirs like Valehouse and Bottoms. I haven't really ventured too far afield yet but I will start to do that as I love walking around Hayfield, Kinder and Edale in particular." 

'Amazed by commitment at Mummy's Star'

Jon with Reuben's Retreat founder Nicola Graham at the 2019 Great Manchester Run, where he dressed up to raise funds for Mummy's Star 

Jon has supported Mummy's Star for a number of years through fundraising runs and is a keen advocate of their work. 

"I've got to know CEO Pete Wallroth and the fantastic team and the work that they do. I'm constantly amazed by the commitment and dedication - not only of the team they have at Mummy's Star but the very loyal band of people who do raise money for them. 

"It's also local to me. I like to do things in the local community so, for me, it was the perfect fit." 

Jon has been "truly humbled" by the generous donations and lovely messages he's received from friends, family and the local community so far. 

He has already raised over £1,200 through his JustGiving page, which you can visit here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jon-matthews-1676360169422  

Jon's final 10k will coincide with his 60th birthday, which he plans to celebrate with a big party at Dinting Cricket Club on 15 April.

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