A BRADFORD on Avon businessman who nearly died from meningitis 21 years ago has raised more than £5,200 for Dorothy House.

Matt Withers has just returned to the UK after completing 5,000 metres of cycle climbs including the highest mountain on the Spanish island of Majorca.

Matt Withers, 50, decided to celebrate his 50th birthday by tackling 5,000-metres of climbing including Puig Major, the highest peak in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.

He said: “I wanted to do something for meaningful for my 50th birthday as I feel lucky to be 50 and healthy.

“I decided to raise as much as possible for Dorothy House. Instead of people giving me presents, I felt that I'd like to raise funds for the Dorothy House Hospice at Winsley.”

Matt runs a mortgage broker firm, Silver Street Solutions, in Bradford on Avon, and is a partner in Kingstons estate agents in Trowbridge.

At the age of 29 he suffered from meningococcal meningitis and nearly died. “Had I been admitted to hospital half an hour later I wouldn’t have made it.”

He added: “I’ve been lucky enough to make it to the age 50 having suffered from meningococcal meningitis and am fully aware of how precious life is.

“I wanted to raise money for Dorothy House as they’ve looked after friends and family over the years and provide an amazing service for patients and their families.”

Mr Withers lives in Upper Westwood with his wife Susie and their daughter Charlie.

He was accompanied on the cycling trip by his business partner at Kingstons, Andy Langley.

“I decided to go for 5,000 metres of climbing and it took a total of 11 hours which was tough but worth it. I’ve now raised £5,200.”

If you would like to support Matt, please donate on his JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-withers1