Crossing the finishing line in Robin Hoods Bay

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Ranger Matt Neale has raised more than £7,000 for charity by running 190 miles from St Bee’s Head to Robin Hood’s Bay.

The 37-year-old completed his gruelling continuous coast-to-coast ultra-marathon in 61 hours and 13 minutes.

“It was hard but I’m not in as bad a state as I expected to be – I have got blisters on top of blisters and two of my toenails came off. But that is pretty normal for ultra-runners ” he said.

“Everything went well and the support I received from pacers, the checkpoint team and other supporters en route was incredible.

“I had a bad patch on the second night, passing through the Vale of Mowbray. I passed out twice at the checkpoint in Danby Wiske. The locals spilt out of the pub with £50 in donations – how could I not continue after that?

‘I was glad to get back into the hills after Ingleby Cross and I actually got stronger as the Sunday went on’, said Matt

Matt, who is the Area Ranger for Upper Wensleydale, decided on the run to raise cash for the breast cancer unit at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, where his partner, 44-year-old Andrea Burden, is undergoing treatment.

“So far I have raised £7,800 and there is more coming in – it’s just creeping up and up and I am very grateful to all those who have sponsored me,” he said.

It isn’t too late to help the unit by making a donation – just visit www.justgiving.com/matts-coast-to-coast-ultra-marathon

Matt’s colleagues in the National Park Authority have supported him all the way, turning up with food and drink, or running sections with him.

Andrea, who works as a Planning Officer for the Authority, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September last year and has been receiving care from nursing staff in the unit.

“This has highlighted the importance of specialised equipment and support – so I have decided to help them to help others,” Matt said.

“Unfortunately breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, with one in nine women developing breast cancer at some point in their lives.”

Matt is no stranger to ultra-marathons, having previously run six, 100-mile challenge events, including the Lakeland 100. He has also twice taken part in the gruelling 166kms Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc which has a total of 30,000ft ascent, around the famous mountain in the Alps.

Asked if he was now thinking of breaking his new personal best record, he said: “I don’t think so – I’m quite content with that one.”