Last time Matt Everard was in the Phoenix FM studio, the Billericay-based petrol head was just about to set out on a mission to break a Guinness World Record. This time, he joins us as the proud owner of a world record in Tuk Tuk, having achieved a staggering 74.3mph on a Tuk Tuk with his cousin Russell braving speeds no Tuk Tuk passenger has ever experienced before.
We talked about the Tuk Tuk, the world record and a brand new challenge that lies ahead.
If you missed it, you can catch up here…
Since completing the world record Matt made made a new friend in 6 year old Fraser Simmonds. Fraser has Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare genetic muscle wasting condition affecting around 2,500 people in the UK, the vast majority being male. Parents are told the devastating news that the life expectancy of their child is around 30 years – the worst news you could ever expect to hear. DMD severely affects quality of life and eventually all of the muscles in the body will stop working.
Fraser needs an accessible, inclusive and happy home – a downstairs bedroom with wet room and a level access outside space to play. So, with that goal in mind, on the 28th October 2019, Fraser, his sister April, Mum Shelley and Dad Geoff are going to be joining Matt and his wife Carriann to embark on a 250 mile road trip in two Tuk Tuk’s from Barry Island in Wales back to Billericay, Essex.
As huge fans of the TV Show Gavin and Stacey, the Simmonds’ and Everards’ have planned this trip to celebrate the news that there will be a one-off Christmas special of the TV programme. The previous series told the story of a girl from Barry Island and a lad from Billericay who talk on the phone while at work and eventually fall in love and get married.
The Simmonds’ and Everards’ are inviting owners of rare, unusual, classic and custom vehicles to join them on their cross country road trip to add to the fun whilst creating a long convoy between the start point in Barry and finish line in Billericay. This trip is going to be lush!
If you are able to offer your support to Fraser’s bedroom build with expertise, materials or donations or if you would like to join in with the cross country road trip then visit www.fraserandfriends.com. You can also enquire about booking Matt and his Tuk Tuk here.
Thursday Playlist;
Kaiser Chiefs – People Know How To Love One Another
ALLMAN BROTHERS – Jessica
BRYAN ADAMS – Open Road
BB KING – Riding With The King (Ft. Eric Clapton)
John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads
BRIAN MAY – Driven By You
BON JOVI – Lost Highway
ROY ORBISON – I Drove All Night
Whitesnake – Here I Go Again (-87 Remix)
Don Henley – The Boys Of Summer
Adam And The Ants – Stand And Deliver