When I was first approached to saddle up in a rickshaw for Children in Need's Rickshaw Challenge and cycle from Edinburgh to London to raise money for the charity, I don't think I quite knew what I was getting myself into!
Over eight days, from Friday 11-18 November, I covered 484 miles, cycling from Edinburgh to Hawick, then Hawick to Hexham, Hexham to Barnard Castle, Barnard Castle to York, York to Lincoln, Lincoln to Peterborough, Peterborough to Cambridge and finally, Cambridge to London.
The arduous journey began last Friday from Edinburgh Castle - at six in the blinking morning (the template of my morning starts for the duration of the challenge) - where I cycled 54 miles down to Hawick. It was pretty hilly, and that was just day one! It was on the final hill into Hawick where the enormity of what I was undertaking really struck me!
It was evident this challenge wasn't going to be easy. Especially when you factor in arriving at the 7pm finishing line in time for The One Show's live broadcasts. "No pressure then Matt", I kept saying to myself.
One thing that really kept me going was that the people were absolutely AMAZING! Real troopers. I didn't cycle for more than a mile without people lining the streets to cheer me on, donate money and send me on my way with a sweet, cake or biscuit.
I was even gifted some brilliant pictures from kids in the local schools nearby our route. Who said community spirit was dead? No evidence of that on this journey, I can tell you!
But it wasn't just that which blew my mind - it was the patience people had. Waiting sometimes hours for me to cycle past their house or school (especially the people in Lincoln and Peterborough, by the way, when I arrived really late for the finishing lines).
It was always a comfort arriving at the finishing line for The One Show's outside broadcasts, where there would be a welcoming local crowd and entertainers.
I made it on the first day, but I had some dark times during days four and five when I couldn't get there in time.
I'd like to say a special thank you to my regional BBC Radio colleagues who kept the crowds entertained as I pulled the rickshaw and Pudsey to the finishing line each night.
I just got my head down, got on with it and kept pedalling. In the hardest times I thought about all the children's lives I'd be helping
There were so many special moments for me, the British public supported me throughout my challenge. Every village I went to, it was as if I was one of their neighbours. If I needed to use the phone, grab a cup of tea or use their loo, people were just amazing.
My wife and kids were with me most of the way, that really helped me a lot. Other special moments had to be when my mum, dad, wife, kids, sister and brother-in law and their kids, made a surprise visit to the Weardale Inn pub in the village of Ireshopeburn, County Durham, and met me for a Sunday lunch.
My dad - bless him - even brought me a new padded saddle, which was perfect timing as my bum was getting really sore by then! Sandpaper anyone? I tried it out by giving him a lift along the road.
There's been a lot of other acts of kindness on this trip, like when the crew and I were out of beans and eggs, so a local gave us some beans and allowed us to take some eggs from his stock and leave an amount in the honesty box.
Most difficult moment:
It has to be day one. 50 miles from Edinburgh, having been battered by the weather on a steep incline to Hawick. At that moment we all realised this was going to be a massive physical challenge. One minute I was really happy, then the next minute I was hanging over the handlebars in tears.
Standout moment:
It had to be cycling up Stanhope in the Weardale Valley close to Bishop Auckland and Middleton-in-Teesdale on day three. The hill has an incredibly steep five-mile incline that I had to climb, it literally looked like the Tour De France route. The crowd's energy and presence is what got me up that hill. I could feel them behind me urging me on, it was incredible!
It wasn't only the hills that were problematic, flat terrains also posed a problem as you get no let up from the constant pedalling - the rickshaw weighs 12-stone, and, lets face it, Pudsey isn't the slimmest of the passengers. Going downhill was great as I was able to give my knees a break from the furious pedalling I'd been doing.
Diet:
A lot people were very interested in what I ate. For early breakfast I'd usually have porridge, followed by a late breakfast of eggs, beans and fish fingers, then regular snacks of protein, carbohydrates and high energy drinks throughout the day, as I needed the fuel to help get through.
As I was burning about 9,000 calories daily, I was probably averaging about six meals a day.
The challenge my trainer set was to see if I could put on weight, but on my return it turned out that I lost one and a quarter stone in eight days!
Pain:
In addition to having three stripes of blisters on my sit upon - as I mentioned earlier - I also suffered quad strains and kneecap problems.
Without a doubt, this was a difficult undertaking. However, because of the amazing crew that I was travelling with, my passengers (including Pudsey), the great British public, the money we collected en route and donations made via text and the website - I got through it.
As I'm writing this I hear the total is over £1.5million, which is just phenomenal. However, we want more! So if you haven't already, please feel free to make a donation.
I've been asked if I ever want to see a rickshaw again. The answer is...
To donate £5, text "MATT" to 70705, texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message, £5 will go to BBC Children in Need. Go to bbc.co.uk/pudsey for full terms and conditions. You must be over 16 and ask the bill payer's permission.