Couple's 15,000 km bike ride

Matt and Coco Morley have left their flat in Tooting behind so they can undertake a 12-month mega bike ride to Japan – and raise £5,000 for a charity committed to providing life-changing surgery to some of the world’s poorest nations.

So far, the couple, who both work for the Department of Education and work in London, have pedalled more than 4,000 km, cycling their way through 13 countries and overcoming challenges such as flat tyres, stomach bugs and getting stuck in tar!

But the determined duo, who married in September 2020, are determined all obstacles will be overcome as they bid to hit their fundraising target for the Mercy Ships charity.

“We are very fortunate that we can stop work and do this," said 31-year-old Coco. "I’ve always been interested in everything medical. I have a couple of friends with medical jobs who have volunteered in Africa to give amazing gifts to help people access healthcare. We want to help people in other countries access what we have daily, that we are so fortunate to have.” 

Mercy Ships first made an impact on Matt when he was a teenager and he heard a speaker from the charity talk about its work at his secondary school.

“We both want to explore different cultures, meet people who are different and expand our minds," he said. "But we also want to simplify and strip back from all the stuff in our lives and be grateful for the tent above our heads. We want to use it as a chance to worship and experience and appreciate creation.”

The couple have put all their belongings into storage and managed to fit their lives for the next year into just nine bags – along with a range of gadgets and gizmos to make life a bit easier.

Matt added: “My favourite thing for the trip is a device that converts energy from the bike pedalling into a charger so we can charge our devices!”

While they are missing their families, friends – and real beds – they praised their supporters for their prayer, support and sponsorship.

“They’re all sad to see us go but we have had so much helpful advice and they can track our location when they like, so that helps them,” said Matt. 

The Morleys set off on their trek on 30 May and have already travelled through Spain, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan. They are covering all costs themselves and donating all funds raised to Mercy Ships.

If you would like to donate to Matt and Coco's JustGiving page, please click here.