An Arlesey dad of two has been busy running through lockdown in a bid to raise funds for struggling families.

Big-hearted Matt Furniss has been pounding the streets of north Herts this month, fundraising for the Trussell Trust who support a nationwide network of food banks.

Matt, who has just turned 35, is running 4.2km every day throughout November – with the significance of '4.2' referring to the estimated 4.2m children living in relative poverty in this country, with the vast majority relying on foodbanks.

Speaking to Nub News the inspirational Matt explained: "So, myself and eight friends that have decided to try and raise money for the Trussell Trust.

"We're all motivated by Marcus Rashford's battle with he government on providing children with free meals and we tried to think of a way we could help struggling families during this period.

"I've got two young children of my own, and I've been lucky enough to keep my job during the pandemic – but I know some people who have gone from being comfortable financially and being able to support their families, to struggling overnight.

"I appreciate how easy it can be for situations to change and that nobody should feel like they have to choose between paying bills or feeding their children."

Matt is a data journalist by trade and helps to manage the popular OptaJoe social channels, providing football data to all of their UK media clients.

You might also know Matt from his tireless volunteer work behind the scenes at Top Field for his local club Hitchin Town.

During the challenge Matt runs with eight pals, Kyle Waller, Matt Thomson, Aaron Gonsalves, Phil Barritt, Alex Brodie, Michael Range, Ryan O'Donnell and Ronan Donohue – even if, until earlier this year, Matt never really been in to jogging at all.

That was until, back in May, Matt and four workmates decided to try and keep boredom at bay in the original lockdown by doing 100km each – raising an impressive £2,000 for Starlight children's foundation.

"Since then I'd pretty much stopped running as life got busy again and through a lack of motivation," he admitted.

"So I decided to try and set myself another challenge this month and that's where it all began – I just thought if I'm doing something like this, I should try and raise some money for another worthy cause.

"All of us are wanting to get fitter and we all enjoy a challenge, so I approached a few mates to see if they'd be up for it. Most came back with a firm no!

"However, a few decided they wanted to challenge themselves and try to raise as much money as possible. We're keeping each other updated on our WhatsApp group and on Strava to keep one another motivated - and competitive.

"I've just turned 35, so it was another motivational factor – trying to keep fit despite my legs telling me otherwise."

Matt and the team's original aim was to try and raise £500, but the total has already shot past £2,400 at the time of writing – testament to the generosity of so many friends, family and wellwishers.

Such has been the support from near and far, that even Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has helped promote their efforts, through a company-wide call - which led to a flurry of donations.

"Friends and family have been very supportive," says Matt, adding, "they've all dipped in to help raise the money we have so far.

"One of the guys in our challenge has actually been on honeymoon in the Maldives since the start and has been doing it every morning there.

"He's now got a 24 hour journey back to London and committed to doing the other 4.2km where possible while on stopover, so I think he's doing a few airport shuttle runs during his wait!"

You can sponsor Matt and his team here