A dedicated Rotherham doctor has swapped scrubs for skydives, mountains and mud runs — completing all five of his charity’s flagship challenges during 2025 and raising an incredible £1,300 to support Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity. Matthew Rigby, a Specialty Doctor in General Surgery at Rotherham Hospital, pledged at the start of the year to take on each of The Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity’s extreme fundraising events. Now, as 2026 begins, he has finished the full set!
His remarkable list of achievements includes:
- A 15,000ft skydive
- Conquering the Yorkshire Three Peaks in under 12 hours
- A gruelling 12k Total Warrior mud run
- The iconic Great North Run
- A freezing plunge into Manvers Lake
Half of Matthew’s fundraising total will directly support the charity’s Dementia Appeal, which aims to raise £250,000 to enhance care and support for people living with dementia across The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust. The remaining funds will help the charity continue to provide vital equipment, services and projects that go above and beyond what standard NHS funding can cover.
Matthew said: “As someone who sees the impact of our NHS every day, I wanted to give something back in a big way. These challenges pushed me physically and mentally, but knowing the money will help patients across Rotherham made every moment worthwhile.” Rachael Dawes, Head of Charity and Engagement at Rotherham Hospital and Community Charity added: “We have so much admiration for Matt and everything he has taken on to support his local NHS Charity. Having the support of NHS staff, who work tirelessly to deliver incredible care for patients, means the world to us. Matt sees first-hand how the charity enhances patient care and experience across the Trust, and completing all five challenges shows his kindness, dedication and determination.”
Inspired by Matt’s year of challenges? Take on your own challenge in 2026!
The charity is now inviting supporters to follow in Matthew’s footsteps by taking on a fundraising challenge in 2026 — whether that’s conquering one (or more) of the charity’s flagship events, or conquering a challenge of your own. Every step, plunge and mile helps improve care and support for the people of Rotherham.
To start your 2026 challenge journey or support the charity, visit www.therotherhamft.nhs.uk/charity or contact the charity on 01709 426821 or trft.rhcc@nhs.net.