Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Ranger Matt Neale is making the final preparations for his coast-to-coast charity run on Friday (June 25) – covering 190 miles in 60 hours.

The 37-year-old will start the run at 7am at St Bee’s Head and plans to arrive in Robin Hood’s Bay on Sunday afternoon.

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

“People’s generosity really has been overwhelming,” he said.

“The current total raised for the Scott Suite cancer unit now stands at more than £5,300 and I’m hoping it will be more by the time I finish the run.”

Matt is no stranger to 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.

“I have been busy training and several runners from work will be helping me on sections of the run.

“I would just like to say big thank you to those that have sponsored me – the money is going to a very good cause.”

And his colleagues in the National Park Authority are behind him 100 per cent of the way.

Andrea, 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.”

Anyone wanting more info on the run should visit

www.justgiving.com/matts-coast-to-coast-ultra-marathon