by Jenni Horn

A father cycling across the USA in memory of his daughter is on target – and may even finish ahead of schedule.

Matt Loughrey, of St Mary’s Island, Chatham, is biking across the states, a total of 2,300 miles. His only support is his wife Caroline in a vehicle alongside him.

The couple set off from San Diego on Sunday, March 18 and had originally planned to reach St Augustine, Florida, by this Sunday but Matt is hopeful he can reach the finish line on Saturday, or even Friday.

Stormy weather has hampered the ride over the last 24 hours – with thunder, lightening and hail stones so big, Matt said they hurt.

Speaking yesterday, Matt said: “Caroline and I are looking at re-routing tomorrow to avoid the storms, however may come at a cost of an extra day and finishing on Saturday - we will see what tomorrow brings.”

Caroline has been providing support every mile of the journey – booking hotels, having lunch ready for Matt’s pit stops, map reading and never being far away when Matt has a puncture.

Caroline has also been telling people they meet about their daughter Emily (pictured left) who has inspired Matt’s challenge. Emily, nicknamed Embo, died in 2007 after a short battle with cancer. She was just 22. Since her death, the Loughrey family, along with help from friends have raised £75,000 for CLIC Sargent, the Medway Messenger’s charity of the year.

The couple have met several other cyclists, also on the coast to coast trek. They recently met two friends, who were cycling in aid of an American cancer charity because one of them had lost his wife to the disease just three months ago.

Matt said: “We traded cards, tips and had a photo. Meeting Jack and Jerry made our day. It’s always good to speak to fellow cyclists on route.

Matt and Caroline hope to raise a further £25,000 for CLIC Sargent, which offers care and support to young people with cancer and their families.

To donate, text CLIC05 and the amount you want to give (with a £ sign) to 70070, all the money goes directly to the appeal.

You can also donate online atwww.justgiving.com/mattloughreyor send a cheque made payable to CLIC Sargent, with Embo written on the back, to Dan Powell, The Mallings, 112, Malling Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2RJ.