Residents and staff at Field House care home in Shepton Mallet are rallying behind Deputy Manager Matt Middleton-Pfeiffer as he prepares to take on the Bath Half Marathon to raise funds for a local cancer counselling charity.

Matt will run the 13.1-mile course through the streets of Bath on Sunday, 16 March, in aid of Frome-based charity We Hear You (WHY), which provides free therapeutic support for people affected by cancer and other life-threatening conditions. His fundraising efforts are inspired by a close friend who was bereaved by cancer.

He won't be short of support on the day, with several Field House colleagues, who are also members of a local carnival club, volunteering as marshals for the event.

Matt prepares for the Bath Half Marathon, with the help of his daughters © Somerset Care Group

This is just the latest in a series of fundraising challenges Matt has taken on for WHY. In 2023, he completed the 24 Peaks Challenge, and so far in 2024, he has committed to running at least a mile every day—already covering over 700 miles.

Robbie Newton, Community Fundraiser for WHY, said Matt's support would make a real difference.

"We are thrilled that Matt is running the Bath Half Marathon on behalf of We Hear You. For 30 years, we have provided high-quality therapeutic support for children, families, and individuals in Bath and North-East Somerset, Somerset, and Wiltshire. Matt's ongoing fundraising efforts will help ensure our services remain available to those who need them most."

Field House Registered Manager Karen Reeves said the care home was proud to support Matt's efforts.

"Our residents and team are incredibly proud of Matt's dedication to this amazing local charity. We know his heartfelt connection to WHY will spur him on, but we will be there to cheer him every step of the way.

"We wish Matt all the luck in the world and can't wait to celebrate his latest charity achievement when he returns to Field House."

To support Matt's fundraising challenge, visit his sponsorship page.