“Hardest Geezer” Russ Cook has cheered on Spencer Matthews as he undergoes his 30 marathons in 30 days challenge, saying: “born in Chelsea, made in the desert.”
Made In Chelsea star Matthews has seven marathons to go after completing 23 in the Jordanian desert so far in a bid to raise funds for Global’s Make Some Noise.
The 36-year-old is hoping to break the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive marathons to ever have been run on sand, and in order to qualify for the record he will need to complete each marathon in six hours.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday after finishing his 23rd marathon, Matthews said it had been a “particularly rough one” due to the hilly and soft terrain, but confirmed he was currently “on track” to reach his goal.
The moment Spencer 'the poshest geezer' Matthews gets a special message from the @hardestgeezer ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4LpYDD6wHo
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) August 20, 2024
GMB host Kate Garraway noted that charity fundraiser Cook, who completed a mammoth African trek from Cape Town to Tunisia in April, had been an inspiration to Matthews and joked if he was the “poshest geezer”.
The ITV morning programme then surprised Matthews with a pre-recorded video message from Cook, who said: “Morning mate, just wanted to say a massive congratulations on the desert marathon so far.
“Born in Chelsea, made in the desert. They just can’t handle you, lad. Chewing sand breakfast, lunch and dinner. Go, get after it. Come on the boy.”
A shocked Matthews replied: “I’m a big Russ Cook fan and I was deeply inspired by his effort to run the length of Africa.
“I think he’s just an incredible guy for doing that. And I’m completely delighted with that message, thanks so much.”
He was further surprised when he later joined ITV’s Lorraine on video link as his wife Vogue Williams was appearing on the show as a guest presenter.
Model and TV personality Williams revealed she had recorded a video for her husband of their three children sending him support.
In the clip, their eldest son Theo and daughter Gigi wish him “good luck”, and his daughter says she loves him before their youngest son Otto grabs the phone saying “mine”.
Matthews also praised his wife for supporting him and caring for their children whilst he takes on this challenge.
“Supporting me in general through this particular dream of achieving this is just such a wonderful thing for my wife to do,” he said.
“Obviously, I wouldn’t be able to do it without the family’s support.
“Vogue is obviously at home looking after our incredible children whilst I try and raise as much money as I possibly can out here.
“But I’m deeply thankful, honestly, and I think I’m really lucky to have such a cool wife.”
Matthews began his 786-mile trek in Wadi Rum on the edge of the Arabian desert and plans to finish near the Dead Sea on Tuesday, August 27.
