A Wigan fan who has been cycling to the 92 Football League stadiums to raise money for charity has arrived in London.
Matt Jopson, 31, has reached halfway in his intrepid 2,500-mile cycle tour in memory of his uncle who died from prostate cancer and has raised more than £3,000.
The final stop on the tour will be at Everton’s last ever game at Goodison Park, where his late uncle Terry was a steward, on Sunday 18 May.
Matt said: “My uncle passed away two years ago but was going through a tough time for a while prior.
“Other family members have done half marathon and 10ks for the local hospice and I wanted to do my part.”
The former ski instructor is hoping to raise £5,000 for Prostate Cancer UK and Queenscourt Hospice in Southport and is more than halfway to that target.
Matt’s tour is self-supported, and he is carrying his own camping gear, clothing and other essential supplies.
He said: “It’s a bit blurry one because I’m trusting in the unknown.
“I have numerous friends housing me on the way but I’m obviously self-supported, carrying a sleeping bag and I will be frequently camping.
“My parents aren’t too pleased about this, but I can’t plan more than two days in advance due to weather and timings, so I’m taking it day by day.”
Matt’s final stop before entering London was at League Two Gillingham FC, Kent’s only football league team, where he arrived two days ahead of schedule.
He then arrived in London after a turbulent afternoon due to a broken pannier rack and visited The Valley, home of League One Charlton Athletic.
Matt then whistled by Millwall, Leyton Orient, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Wimbledon AFC before settling down for a well-deserved day off in the capital.
The 31-year-old also plans on visiting Wembley whilst in London, which holds a special place in the heart of the Wigan fan due to the Latics’ 2013 FA Cup triumph there.
Matt said: “Wembley Way is iconic, especially with the memories I have there.”
After ticking off all of London’s stadiums Matt’s next stop is the AMEX, home of Brighton and Hove Albion.
You can donate to Matt’s campaign by the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/team/cycle-92
Featured image courtesy of Matt Jopson
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