Cycling for a Cure: Founder Matt’s Next Challenge for Cure Leukaemia

“I don’t think people realise just how close we are to finding a cure.”

This June, Ultimate’s founder Matt is back on the saddle to raise money for Cure Leukaemia – cycling a whopping 500km from London to Paris!

The journey spans four days, setting off from Greenwich Park on Thursday 5th June, travelling through the Pas de Calais and Somme, before dismounting at the Eiffel Tower on Sunday 8th.

Help us reach our goal of £1,500 for this fantastic cause! Head to Just Giving to donate, and read on to learn more about the journey.

Matt cycling for Tour 21

Cure Leukaemia: Where it all started

We’re always thrilled to work with Cure Leukaemia, a UK charity helping patients find access to life-changing treatments, whilst funding cutting-edge research and clinical trials to find a cure for blood cancer. Recently, we had the honour of branding their ‘Close to a Cure’ campaign with Gary Lineker, which you can learn more about and support here.

Matt first got involved with the charity in 2021 where his love of cycling led him to join the Tour 21 charity team. Featured in an NBC documentary, the challenge saw Matt and 17 other amateur riders take on the entire route of the Tour de France – raising over £1 million for Cure Leukaemia.

Since then, Matt’s seen and heard first-hand the life-saving access this charity provides to patients battling blood cancer through state-of-the-art clinical trials. With initiatives like the newly launched children’s ATICUS Network, Cure Leukaemia continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in treatment and care.

But, as Matt says, it’s their groundbreaking research that means a cure to blood cancer is almost in sight:

“It could even happen in the next few years! If everyone got involved, even just a little, we could definitely get there.”

Cycling through the Alps

The challenge: London to Paris

In aid of this fantastic charity, the upcoming London 2 Paris cycle route spans a calf-aching 500km (300 miles), spread over four days. The journey through France also brings with it some pretty impressive hills to be defeated – with a total climb of 4000 meters.

The strain will all be worth it, though! Despite knowing they’re helping to fund life-saving work, the riders’ route is packed with breathtaking scenery, challenges, and camaraderie – described as “the best four days you can have on a bike”.

As a cycling fanatic, Matt didn’t need convincing to hop on the saddle and get training! He even took his beloved bike on a recent family holiday to Spain, squeezing in sessions between plates of paella!

Matt training in Spain.

Equally excited ahead of the event, Cure Leukaemia CEO James McLaughlin shares his support: “We’re dead excited that Matt’s back fundraising and bringing along the Ultimate team to join him. Good luck, Matt!”

Remember – you can support our fundraising goal by donating here.

Follow the journey

We’ll be following Matt’s exciting route to Paris throughout the month as he trains, preps and pushes towards the finish line. Keep an eye on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest!

You can also follow Matt’s journey via updates on Just Giving, where you can help us reach our £1,500 fundraising goal.

Stay tuned – we’ve got more exciting news to come!