Scarborough’s Andy Messenger takes on charity challenge in memory of brother-in-law

The Road Runners Club member is taking on three mammoth missions in memory of his brother-in-law.

Matt Coles, from Leeds, died in December last year, aged 47, less than 10 months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

A devoted husband to Jo and wonderful dad to Max and Abi, his loss has devastated all of Andy’s family.

“We shared so many memories with Matt over the years, he was a constant presence in our lives, one we will not forget,” said Andy.

“More often than not throughout the last months of Matt’s life we felt helpless.

“Covid-19 meant we couldn't be there with anything more than words, words which never felt enough.

“Hopefully through this fundraising I can give a little bit back, on behalf of all my family, in loving memory of Matt.”

Andy, 36, is raising money for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity by completing three gruelling challenges.

The first takes place on Saturday, March 27 - three months to the day since Matt died - and will see Andy running repeated loops for a staggering nine hours.

In September, he will take on a 62-mile trail from Guisborough to Filey on the Cleveland Way.

And on October 3 he will be running the London Marathon dressed as one of Matt's son Max’s favourite Star Wars characters - Boba Fett.

“I will be training week in and week out, as I always do, but Matt is never far from my mind when I run at the moment,” said Andy.

“These challenges are for him and I hope I can raise some much needed funds in his memory.”

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/miles4matt.