BUSINESSES are getting behind Craven endurance athlete Sam Boatwright, who is bidding to break the record for cycling the length of Britain non-stop.

Recruitment agency, justteachers, has become Sam’s main sponsor, backing his athletic endurance adventures to mark its tenth birthday.

Sam, 32, of Steeton, is due to leave John O’Groats on August 21, chasing Gethin Butler’s record of 44 hours, four minutes and 19 seconds.

He is no stranger to the Skipton-based agency as he registered with justteachers last year when he was looking for a career in education. He landed his job at St Bede’s in Bradford just a day after signing up with the firm, which is based at High Corn Mill, and he is still there today.

“We are proud to be involved with Sam’s latest venture and will be working together after the world record attempt to showcase his talents and provide ongoing learning and motivation to young people who may be inspired by his achievements,” said David Jones, managing director of justteachers.

Well known as the Epic Runner, Sam, a former Royal Navy serviceman, ran 50 miles every day for 50 days covering 2,500 miles of the UK coastline in 2012, raising thousands of pounds for Help For Heroes in the process.

Bingley-based accountants Watson Buckle is also sponsoring Sam along with Skipton’s Mewies Solicitors, San Angelo’s of Baildon and winter sports holiday specialists Maxski.net and CTSKi. Skipton-based Riders Cycle Centre is also supporting Sam by providing help with bike building and maintenance.

Sam said: “Now I have all the costs covered for the record attempt, so every penny I raise will go to Help For Heroes. I am incredibly grateful to all the companies helping me out – I couldn’t do it without them.

“To me, no matter what challenge I take on, it can never be as hard as those faced by some of the ex-servicemen and women Help For Heroes support.”

Sam can be sponsored at samboatwright.com.