The Friendship That Started It All

Matt Barker is set to run from Milton Keynes to Gigg Lane, in memory of his dear friend, Spin

Spin Spencer (left), Matt Barker (right)

It was a bolt from the blue when Paul ‘Spin’ Spencer was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, in early 2023.

He had had no symptoms – the cancer was sudden and relentless.

Spin’s lifelong friend, Matt Barker, said: “The truth is that, from the day of Spin’s diagnosis; we lost our friend.”

“Cancer took the person before it took the body; we hardly saw the funny, mischievous, outgoing friend during his cancer journey.”

“But there was a notable exception; right towards the end, when he was resident at Bury Hospice – the real Spin returned. Suddenly his personality resurfaced.”

Matt attributes this change to the skill, care and compassion Spin received upon being admitted into the hospice.

He said: “What the team gave Spin and us was priceless. They are experts and angels combined – the world needs more of both.”

“The hospice offers calm, reassurance and support at a time that is otherwise overwhelming, helping loved ones to be present, to talk, to laugh and to say goodbye.”

Knowing that much of the care provided at Bury Hospice, is only possible because of charitable donations, Matt has decided to take on the massive challenge of running from his home, now in Milton Keynes, all the way to Bury FC, in Gigg Lane, in one go.

When Matt and Spin were kids, they could see the Gigg Lane floodlights from their houses, and they’d always go to matches together, walking down the Manny Road to see the Bury Aces.

“In the spirit of that tradition, I’m going to go to the match in memory of my friend,” said Matt.

Armed with a plan for success, Matt will be setting off at 9.00pm on Thursday 2nd April, and giving himself 40 hours to complete the challenge, which should come to an end by 1.00pm on Saturday 4th at Bury FC, where he plans to arrive in time for a quick pint before the 3.00pm kick-off against Congleton Town.

That’s a total of 241 kilometres, or 150 miles, or 48 park runs.

Overseeing all the logistics, is Matt’s wife, Rachel, who ran the London Marathon, in support of Bury Hospice, last year.

Matt, himself, is no stranger to a physical trial, but this challenge will see him running the furthest distance, and the longest time he’s ever run.

He said: “I’m not sure if it can be done. But that’s kind of the point.”

“Spin would have called me an idiot for taking this on, but he’d never for a second would’ve doubted whether it can be done.”

Matt urges anyone who possibly can, to pledge a contribution to his fundraiser, in memory of Spin, because, while some statutory funding exists (17% annual NHS contribution), the majority of Bury Hospice’s running costs are not covered by the government.

This means that supporters’ fundraising directly keeps beds open, nurses on shifts and services available for the next family who needs them.

Matt said: “What Bury Hospice gave Spin and what it gave us, [his friends and family], is what it strives to give to everyone. This challenge is about helping make sure that it can.”

“Fundraising is the lifeblood of Bury Hospice and every contribution helps ensure other families get the same priceless time that we did.”

Matt is currently ramping up his training in preparation for the ultra-run, which he’ll be live-tracking, for his supporters to see where he is along the long distance route; he welcomes anyone who wants to join him for a section, to get in touch.

Gabrielle Royle, Community Fundraiser at Bury Hospice, said: “I’m in awe of what Matt is doing for Bury Hospice; I don’t think we have ever had someone take on a challenge such as this.”

“So much work and planning has gone into this challenge, and the story behind why Matt is doing it, is so special.”

“I have no doubt that Spin will be with Matt every step of the way.”

To support Matt and donate to his fundraiser, please pledge a contribution here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/going-to-the-match?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL