Happy Birthday Matt!

The birthday boy enjoying takoyaki

It’s been a loooong two weeks but finally the ‘you’re older than me’ banter comes to an end tomorrow, as Matt’s birthday arrives!

Somehow, tomorrow also marks another milestone. Exactly 20 years ago, we met on our first day at university. A scary but really lovely thought that we’ve know each other for two decades, and makes me look forward to whatever the next 20 years brings!

Matt has been very relaxed about how he wants his birthday to pan out. In a surprising move (to no-one) he requested that he ride his bike on the big day. After much organising I think we will be able to make this happen!…

Unfortunately we have found ourselves a bit in the middle of Japanese-nowhere-ville so whilst we all know beer is available wherever you go in the world, proper birthday treats might have to wait a while. (But he is very grateful for the warm jacket purchased in advance of his birthday, which I had a feeling might be needed as temperatures finally drop for us).

So on that note (and because it would be a shame to waste Matt’s brilliant birthday blog post surprise on just me), I’d love it if some of Matt’s biggest fans, pals and family members could post below to wish him well as he starts his 40th year.

I wish I could do more for him today because without doubt he has done a lot for me since we set off in April. Incredibly patient, resilient to all the things this trip (and me) throw at him, very very funny and above all so so kind hearted, Matt deserves lots of love and hugs on his big day xxxxx

PS. We hope that normal service will resume soon on the blog as we sort out whatever the photo issue is… Thanks everyone for your patience 😊

Singing karaoke with a random Japanese guy… as you do!

23 responses to “Happy Birthday Matt!”

  1. Kate fear Avatar
    Kate fear

    Happy 40th Birthday Matt 🎊🎁 Praying you have such a special day and know how amazing you are!!! God bless, Kate xx

  2. Kate Kay Avatar
    Kate Kay

    Happy birthday Matt! Hope you had a good one xx

  3. Rachel Hinde Avatar
    Rachel Hinde

    Happy birthday, Matt. So glad your trip (!) is working so well. Have a lovely time. You deserve it soooo much. Have fun! Xxx

  4. Alex Twigg Avatar
    Alex Twigg

    Very happy birthday Matt!

  5. Rich Peel Avatar
    Rich Peel

    Happy Birthday to a fellow 40 year old giraffe. Have an amazing day and keep on being a super bloke. Maybe Sarah could even treat to a nice pair of Calvin Klein boxers for your birthday 😉

  6. Greg Avatar
    Greg

    Happy birthday, mate! Wishing you a tailwind, strong legs and plenty of good food!

  7. Pete Criddle Avatar
    Pete Criddle

    Happy birthday Matt, you gorgeous hunk of a fella!
    40th year…yikes.

  8. Kaz Avatar
    Kaz

    Happy Birthday Matt-O. What a very special and memorable birthday this one is. Will the party pants make an appearance?! Big hugs x

  9. Mark O Avatar
    Mark O

    I stumbled across your blog only last week. Thanks for the update. What an amazing adventure. Happy Birthday Matt 🎂🍻

  10. Nicola Ennion Avatar
    Nicola Ennion

    Lovely post Sarah. Happy birthday Matt! I would stay at 39 if I were you….. I hope you manage to find a large beer or two and have a fantastic day 🍺🍻🎂 xx

  11. Di Manning Avatar
    Di Manning

    Happy birthday Matt! Is 40 the new 20? Is rolling back our ages still a thing! If so I’ll roll back mine and say I am the same age as your actual age tomorrow 🤣
    Have a great day
    Di x

  12. Angie Avatar
    Angie

    Happy birthday Matt! Have a fabulous day . Angie P x

  13. Clare Cope Avatar
    Clare Cope

    Happy Birthday Matt, wishing you a lovely fun day. Enjoy your birthday bike ride – now that’s a novel idea 😂🎂🎉🍺xxxx

  14. P.c.pete Avatar
    P.c.pete

    Happy birthday from your father.

  15. Anna Simpson Avatar

    Happy Birthday Matt! Distant following from Blazing and I really look forward to each of Sarah’s blogs. Have a great day 😃

  16. Chris Cope Avatar
    Chris Cope

    Wow. I’d forgot. Thanks Sarah. Happy birthday bro. May your 40th year be awesome and may it rain beer on you all day (or not rain at all). Hugs.

  17. Kayleigh Avatar
    Kayleigh

    Happy birthday to you Matt. Didn’t realise you were older than me 😆 not sure if that is because I am so mature or…well, I’ll leave the rest unsaid lol.
    Have a great day, Kayleigh x

  18. Jenny Boddington Avatar
    Jenny Boddington

    Happy Birthday Matt, we remember driving back to London from your Christening in snow. Hope you have a lovely birthday and find at least some beer. You share your birthday with my bro in law from Spalding (70) also away on a cycling trip in Majorca, and with Dave’s nephew Reuben (30). Love what you are doing.

  19. J Broad Avatar
    J Broad

    Otanjoubi omedetau

    Wishing you a very happy birthday with lots of food, beer and cycling, but not all at once!

    Sending love

    Judy and Nick xxx

  20. Richard and Mary-Anne Avatar
    Richard and Mary-Anne

    Happy Birthday Matt, I’m sure you will have a fantastic day!

  21. Bridgett Posey Avatar
    Bridgett Posey

    Happy Birthday Matt. Starting your 40th year. Makes me feel old as I have a sneaky suspicion that I will soon have a daughter starting her 40th year too. Anyway have fun and enjoy the new warm jacket! X

  22. James Stewart Avatar
    James Stewart

    More importantly (maybe) 20 years since you both met me!

    Happy birthday Matt…! Enjoy the ride

  23. Alastair Lovell Avatar
    Alastair Lovell

    Happy birthday you gorgeous hunky man bear. Cycle, beer, coat.. perfect xxx

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