A TRUSTEE of Skipton charity The Principle Trust has raised more than £2,000 by completing a three-day walking challenge to raise funds for vulnerable children.

Simon Thomas clocked up more than100,000 steps, 50 miles and 20 hours of walking to raise vital funds for the trust which provides respite breaks to children who are underprivileged, disadvantaged, disabled, have life-limiting conditions, or who have experienced poverty, trauma or abuse. The money raised will provide four families with a free week long respite holiday.

Mr Thomas left Skipton Castle on Wednesday last week waved off by well-wishers including Skipton Town Mayor Richard Judge and the trust’s founder, Mike Davies, MBE.

From Skipton, he headed west through the Ribble Valley towards the Fylde coastline. On Friday, he was met by family, friends and supporters at the finish line, Marton Mere Holiday Park, where four of the charity’s new respite holiday homes are based.

Simon’s Castle-to-Coast walk was the latest in a series of fundraising challenges he has undertaken for the charity. In April 2022 the 62-year-old businessman cycled from Sheffield to Windermere, raising around £2500. Three months later he completed a gruelling marathon-distance hike around Harrogate, raising a further £1700.

Mr Thomas, director of Otley-based Greenholme Carpets, said; "My feet are a bit sore but it was for a great cause; the trust helps disadvantaged, disabled and poorly children to escape their everyday troubles and create valuable, happy memories. I want to thank everyone who supported my Castle-to-Coast fundraising challenge.’ Donations can be made at www.localgiving.org/fundraising/simons-castle-to-coast-fundraising-walk/