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Arctic-to-Africa fundraiser sets sights on a 114-mile loop around the M25

Hertfordshire athlete Matthew Hollingham raised almost £30,000 for children’s charities during a 61-day Arctic-to-Africa challenge and is already planning his next fundraiser.

By The TEA Editorial Desk · 28 August 2026

Matthew Hollingham during his Arctic-to-Africa endurance challenge Image: Matthew Hollingham / BBCOriginal source

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A Hertfordshire athlete who completed a 61-day endurance journey from the Arctic to Africa has already chosen his next fundraising challenge: running a 114-mile route around the M25.

Matthew Hollingham, from Wheathampstead, combined open-water swimming, 37 marathons and thousands of kilometres of cycling on his journey across Europe. The challenge raised around £30,000 for children’s charities in memory of his fiancée, Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhamre, who died after being hit by a car in 2023.

His next route will follow back roads, paths and underpasses around the London orbital motorway, rather than the motorway itself, where pedestrians are prohibited. The idea gives him another endurance target while keeping the challenge much closer to home and family.

Money from the wider fundraising effort has supported Save the Children and the Centre County Youth Service Bureau. After two months of near-continuous movement across Europe, Hollingham said was still looking for a way to keep the momentum going.