At the end of this month, Matthew will be taking on the challenge of the 78 mile (126km) Capital Ring Walk around London in four days for the Mayor of Barnet's charities, which includes the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is a community based hospice service providing support for children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families in Central and North London. The charity relies heavily on fundraising and private donations.

The Capital Ring is a strategic walking route which completely encircles inner and central London. It passes through Barnet by entering at the Welsh Harp, goes through Hendon Park, along Brent Park – once a duck decoy – past the statue of 'La Deliverance' at Finchley Road, through Hampstead Garden Suburb before reaching East Finchley Underground station, opened in 1939 with its famous archer statue, and then the three woods - Cherry Tree, Highgate and Queen's Wood - all remnants of the ancient forest of Middlesex. 

The path continues and takes in parks, forests, cemeteries, docklands and residential streets, occasionally running into an unexpected obstacle, such as a canal or City Airport. 

Matthew said, "It will be great to explore large parts of London through a long distance walk that doesn't leave the capital. Walking is a great way to see local attractions and combining this with raising money for the Mayor's charity is a really positive activity.

“I will pass through the City of London in the east, Crystal Palace in the south and through large open spaces such as Richmond Park in the west before returning back to Hendon. The Mayor's Charity is a very worthwhile cause and I would be most grateful for any donations that people are able to make."

Matthew will be seen off on his walk by the Mayor and Mayoress of Barnet on Thursday 20 April at 08:30hrs from Hendon Park Cafe, Queen’s Road, Hendon, and will be met by them on his return on Sunday 23 April at 18:30hrs at the same location.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Matthew-Offord