I am extremely grateful for the donations that Debs, Lauren and I received through all who show their support toward all civil servants across the UK. Lauren and I have worked within the Prison service for nearly seven years and have experienced so many staff members who need a little more support than others. I am proud of both Lauren and Debs as the Silverstone Runfest 5km was their first competitive run, in which we will make an annual event of it. We will be running for the Charity again in November once tickets come out. This year I have decided to also run with a 10kg vest on, as well as Lauren taking on the challenge of 10km. Watch this space.
Matt runs rings around the Silverstone racetrack
21 January 2026
Matt and Lauren at HMP Wayland and Matt’s mum Debs, completed the 10k / 5k Silverstone Racetrack Challenge in November and raised an incredible £568 for the Charity for Civil Servants. They also ran the race in memory of and dedication to their close friend and colleague, Fitzy, who sadly passed away in an unfortunate accident last year.
Sandra from the Charity’s fundraising team spoke to Matt about the run.
Matt, your fundraising journey has been truly inspiring, and we thank you for supporting the Charity in dedication to your close friend who sadly passed away last year. We know that running the Silverstone Racetrack event was a personal challenge for you. What do all these donations mean to you and what would you like to say to your supporters?
You ran the Silverstone Racetrack 10k / 5k run with your partner Lauren and mum, Debs. Did you face any challenges? What kept you motivated?
I found the beginning of the Runfest challenging only because of the number of participants attending; however, they all ran for great causes, so we applaud their results also. I became super competitive throughout so wished I was able to overtake a few more people at the start of the race. The weather conditions helped as it stopped raining as the race began, but the cold weather was a challenge.
Debs added
Silverstone 5k was the first ever 5k run for me. I already go to the gym and am trying to lose weight and have never tried this before – but was challenged to do so by Matt (he loves to push his mum into fitness things!) We completed the challenge originally for the Charity for Civil Servants, with the added unfortunate accident of a close friend and colleague which gave us additional motivation.
You completely smashed your fundraising target and raised over £500 for the Charity – making you the Charity’s top event fundraiser of 2025! What was the highlight of your event and would you do it again?
We will be tackling the same event next year, with the additions to the 10kg vest and Lauren to complete the 10km run. We are focused in completing this challenge each year on behalf of the Charity.
What would you say to someone who has never taken part in a running event and were thinking of fundraising for the Charity this year? What would your advice be?
The biggest step is going onto the website and booking a ticket for the race, whatever the distance. That’s the first hurdle. However, this then provides you with a focus to your training. The event itself was amazing with the number of people there, focused to complete their personal race. Embrace the experience and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Debs added
I have motivation tags on my trainers which say ‘Go as far as you can’ ‘and then take 1 step more’ – I believe that is a good mantra of taking on a challenge such as this!
Been inspired? Take on your own challenge – whether that’s walking, running, cycling or skydiving – have a look at our fundraising events page to find an event that works for you.
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