Matthew was joined by the Mayor of Brent and MP for Finchley and Golders Green, Mike Freer, to start the Shree Swaminarayan Temple Sport Relief. This bi-annual national event attracted over 1,000,000 people across the country and the event at the Shree Swaminarayan temple gave people from the Hendon constituency the opportunity to take part locally.

The Temple has previously successfully hosted two Sport Relief miles in both 2008 and 2010. Children in fancy dress, soldiers of the Royal Army, workers from local business and members of the Temple have helped raise over £27,000 for charity. This year’s fundraising efforts will contribute to the Sport Relief total, which stands at over £52,000,000 – and is increasing as money continues to be received after the events.

Matthew said: “The weather was magnificent and the pace of the race was quickened by the Shree Muktajeevan Pipe Band who played the runners out from the starting line. The enthusiasm of everyone concerned was truly heartening.""

Photo: Matthew is pictured starting the race with Cllr Aslam Choudry, Mayor of Brent, and Mike Freer, MP f or Finchley & Golders Green