Andy Jackson

A mountain rescuer has run the 192-mile Coast to Coast course in less than three days to raise cash for his team.

Andy Jackson arrived at Robin Hood’s Bay at 10.42pm on Monday after traversing three national parks on a 309km route that normally takes two weeks to complete.

His effort has so far raise more than £2,500 for the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, which responds to calls for help from walkers and cavers in the Yorkshire Dales.

Mr Jackson, who has been a team member for 21 years, set off from St Bees on the Cumbrian coast at 3am on Saturday, and arrived at the North Sea less than two days and 20 hours later.

Taking only short breaks for sleep on the route, the seasoned ultrarunner arrived at the North Yorkshire village only 2½ hours after his scheduled time.

He has so far raised £2,535, busting his original £1,500 target, which was subsequently increased to £2,000.

Mr Jackson is a keen ultrarunner and has taken part in the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc as well as the Fellsman, Bob Graham Round and Lakeland 50.

He was the Upper Wharfedale team’s underground leader for 13 years and is currently surface leader.

He said: “I have seen the team gradually develop and grow to the point where we are now needing to expand our beloved headquarters, The Hut, in Grassington.

“We are a voluntary organisation which relies on public donations and our own year-round fundraising efforts.

“The team’s annual running costs are approximately £35,000 so I am trying to raise some extra funds towards our team HQ extension.”

Donations can be made via Andy Jackson’s justgiving page.