A TEACHER is making his final preparations before flying out to the USA ahead of a gruelling endurance challenge to raise money for a military charity.

Sam Boatwright will fly to America on Friday, where he will begin his epic month-long challenge on Monday, July 24.

Beginning on the Atlantic coast in New York City, the 34-year-old will run 50 miles on one day before cycling 150 miles the next until he reaches Los Angeles on the Pacific coast.

The St Bede’s and St Joseph’s Catholic College teacher will take in Philadelphia, the nation’s capital Washington DC and Chicago along the route, before joining the world famous Route 66 all the way to Los Angeles, covering 3,000 miles along the way.

Mr Boatwright, from Skipton, is combining his two passions in what is his biggest challenge to date, after previously running 50 miles a day for 50 days around the British coastline in 2012, raising £16,500 for Help for Heroes, in a challenge that earned him the title the ‘Epic Runner’, and trying to break the record for the quickest John O’Groat’s to Land’s End cycle in 2015.

He said: “I had fantastic support for my Epic Run from so many generous businesses, organisations, family, friends and members of the public at large.

“I can’t thank them enough and I am hoping they and others will once again rally round and support the latest cause.

“The challenge is, of course, ultimately for Help for Heroes, and I feel strong, fit and ready.”

Mr Boatwright, who is an instructor in uniformed public services at St Bede’s and St Joseph’s, as well as working as a personal trainer, has been in intensive training for the past few months to prepare for the challenge.

He is taking on the challenge to raise £10,000 for Help for Heroes, and has already raised £1,000 thanks to support from Skipton Ford and Mazda, Nettleton Garden Centre, Bodental, Althams Travel, Wellocks, Trycare and Weezle Diving Services.

Help for Heroes is a national military charity which was started in 2007 to provide better support and services for servicemen and women injured in the line of duty.

To track Mr Boatwright’s progress after he embarks on his challenge on Monday, visit samboatwright.com, and to donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Sam-Boatwright1.