Andy Jackson

A mountain and cave rescuer will attempt to run the Coast to Coast Walk route in just three days.

Andy Jackson, a member of Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association, will tackle the long-distance route to raise cash towards an extension for his team’s Grassington base.

He will start the 309km (192-mile) route, devised by Alfred Wainwright, this weekend. Most walkers take a fortnight to complete the course, from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire.

Mr Jackson, who has been a team member for 21 years, is a keen ultra-runner and has taken part in the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc as well as the Fellsman, Bob Graham Round and Lakeland 50.

His target is to raise £1,500 for UWFRA, which goes to the aid of both stricken walkers and cavers in the Yorkshire Dales. Mr Jackson was 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.

“Other than rescuing people in difficulty on the fells, mountains and in vast cave systems we attend numerous animal rescues including cows, sheep and dogs.”

The Upper Wharfedale team last year gained media attention when it stretchered an injured dog – later dubbed Wufra – from the summit of Buckden Pike when it was close to death.

Fellow team members, family and friends will support his run.

Members of the public can donate to Andy Jackson’s appeal via his justgiving page.