Runner Matt completes year-long 5k-a-day challenge to honour Baggies-mad friend Richard Eades

Matt Shilvock, aged 41, was inspired to take on the impressive challenge following the death of his close friend and West Bromwich Albion mascot Richard Eades in 2017.

The JLR engineer completed a 5km, or 3.1-mile, run every day throughout 2019 and raised £5,817.94 for the Smile For Joel charity as he went.

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It came to an end on New Year’s Eve, where Matt finished his last run at the Foxhunt pub, in Hagley Road, Halesowen. Groups of Matt’s supporters were waiting outside the pub cheering him on for the final steps of his marathon challenge.

He described the end of the challenge as “emotional” after completing 1,825km. Mr Eades was a mascot for the Baggies for 10 years and was also a qualified referee. He was friends with fellow referee, Joel Richards, a Worcester University student who died in the 2015 Tunisia terrorist attacks.

Smile For Joel was set up in 2016 by Joel’s mother, Suzy, from Wednesbury, and her son Owen Richards to support families bereaved through homicide and terrorism. She said: “Myself, Owen and everyone at Smile For Joel cannot thank Matt enough for what he has done this past year.

“Doing one 5k for the charity is an achievement itself but Matt has done it 365 times. We are so amazed at this achievement and honoured that he would choose Smile For Joel in memory of Richard and Joel.

“We know both of them would be so proud of Matt, like we all are. Raising more than £4,000 is incredible and will go to help so many families who need it.”

Matt’s journey got off to a difficult start after a fall left him with two broken ribs, but this didn’t get in the way of him completing the challenge.

The dedicated friend ran while in New York, Portugal and Cape Verde, even running 5km on Christmas Day where he was joined by Albion Mascot Baggie Bird.

Matt thanked his 264 supporters who donated though his Just Giving page, saying: “Thank you to everyone for the sponsorship, it means so much, you are all amazing. I really appreciate it.”

Donations can still be made via the website.