AN East End man is to complete a marathon cycle challenge to coin in cash for good causes. 

Matt Donald will set off on a 180 mile trip from Royston to the Isle of Skye today where he will then take on the daunting task of climbing 928 metre tall Bla Bheinn mountain. 

The 46-year-old father-of-three hopes to raise money for Blackhill Bike Club and Royston Youth Action, two organisations close to his heart. 

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“I climb munros and realised I had to start getting out to remote ones,” he said. “I’ve been going out on the bike since lockdown and it’s been in the back of my head. 

“My own bike broke at the start of lockdown and the youth club gave me a bike and actually gave one to anyone who wanted one.

“The Blackhill Club were fixing the bikes and they weren’t charging them to people who couldn’t afford them.

Glasgow Times: A map showing some of Matt's route A map showing some of Matt's route

“They’ve given out however many bikes for free to so many people that have needed them.

“My daughter Heather has been involved in Royston for years and it’s been so good for her.” 

Matt, also dad to Eilidh, 14, and 21-year-old Catriona, is no stranger to cycle challenges, having been part of a team of St Roch’s supporters to ride from Glasgow to Fort William. 

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The former Candy Rock player and the group donated the money raised to the club’s bid to build a memorial garden at James McGrory Park. 

“Heather has been able to go to Finland and places like that all because of the youth group,” he added. “That’s unbelievable and such a good thing. I’m a wee bit nervous but excited to get going.” 

To support Matt, visit his GoFundMe page here.