RYEDALE resident Richard Scarth is raising money for Malton Hospital with a huge programme of cycling and running.

Originally from Liverpool, Scarth - now based in Swinton - has lived in Ryedale for 50 years and is wanting to give back to the hospital as a thank-you.

And he is inviting people to join him as he targets 100 days of fundraising exercise.

A former professional boxer, Scarth has also worked as a racing physiotherapist with the likes of Frankie Dettori, Mick Kinane and Kieren Fallon.

He has now topped 70 days of a daily routine of a five-mile cycle from his Swinton home to the gallops in Langton Road - picking up participants along the way - followed by a two-mile up-and-down jog.

"I'm giving back, I reckon," he explained. "When you go to Malton Hospital, they know who you are. They've brought your kids up. They've been kind and considerate to you.

"Because of that, I want to repay them.

"I'm well on the way. They claim my body's fractured, in bits, battered and bruised, and I'm asking people to assist me up these gallops.

"It's the most amazing thing I've ever done."

Scarth started his flyweight boxing career as an amateur at Kirkby ABC, going on to spar with top-class boxers around Yorkshire. He worked his way through social services before becoming a physio.

He is also known in local football circles as a referee.

This is far from the first time Scarth has engaged in a demanding physical activity to raise money for a good cause. He has done a coast-to-coast bike ride, the Great North Run, and swum the length of the English Channel, all for charity.

To join Scarth, phone him on 07870 275891. To contribute to the campaign, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/richardscarthmaltonhospital.