In January 2017 Mat Bayfield and I began Mat’s Walk & Talk Challenge, aiming to raise £1,000. It became a local phenomenon, engaged hundreds of people  and raised £20,000 in just a few short weeks. The fundraising continued, not only through walks, but CD sales, concerts, and other events put on not only by ourselves, but by other groups and individuals. Mat battled bravely on, raising money, raising awareness, and raising the spirits of all he connected with. One year later in 2018 we married, following a reoccurrence of his tumour which left Mat in a wheelchair. It may have confined his body, but not his spirit. A good response to chemotherapy meant we were blessed to have almost two more years together, during which time, as well as continuing to perform, and managing  a honeymoon to India, with the help of a special Anniversary walk we were able to see the total climb to around £35,000. 

Devastatingly we lost our beloved Mat in October 2019. He has left such a void in so many peoples lives, but he was determined that we fill the void with positivity, fond memories, laugher, music, kindness, community, and love. We made a promise together that the legacy would continue, so starting in January, a weeks worth of  walks sees the start of Walk & Talk 2020, where, with your help, I hope to reach a new target of £40,000. Below is the original story we posted in late 2016. 

In December 2012 I was diagnosed with a rare inoperable brain tumour on my brain stem.....a.k.a Brian, my uninvited guest!  As a result, i have spent a large amount of time at the fantastic Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge undergoing extensive radiotherapy and regular MRI scans. Although  a very traumatic time for me and my family, somehow I have found an inner strength to face life with a renewed sense of positivity, and my motto is 'Life Is No Rehearsal'.  At Christmas 2015 I met my girlfriend Kelly who had lost her sister to a brain tumour in 2010. We made an immediate connection and have been a huge support to each other ever since. Because of this, we wanted to raise money for a charity  so close to both our hearts, hence 'Mat's Walk and Talk Challenge' was created!  

As well as raising money for the charity, the idea behind these walks is to join with like minded people who can make friends, share stories, get fitter, and inspire people to make the best of this life regardless of the hardships we all face. Each walk will end with a nice cuppa and a bit more chat! Timings and locations will be posted on the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Mats-walk-and-talk-challenge--1645663045733823/ or alternatively, contact Mat on 07464 484 922. As well as this page, there will be collection boxes on each walk. If you would like to host a walk, please get in touch asap!

Thank you in advance for all your kind support and donations, 

Lots of Love, Mat & Kelly xx

The Brain Tumour Charity is at the forefront of the fight to defeat brain tumours, making a difference every day to the lives of people with a brain tumour and their families. We fund pioneering research to increase survival, raise awareness of the symptoms and effects of brain tumours and provide support for everyone affected to improve quality of life. We are committed to having the biggest possible impact for every person affected by a brain tumour, and to defending the most amazing part of the human body.