SKIPTON man Sam Boatwright completed an epic journey across America to raise nearly £6,000 for Help for Heroes.

Setting off from New York on July 24, Sam, a 34-year-old secondary school teacher and personal trainer, ran 50 miles one day and cycled 150 miles the next to finish off the 3,000 mile challenge in Santa Monica, California on August 24.

After completing the arduous journey, Sam and his fiancee, Kerry Germany, got married in Las Vegas.

Sam departed from New York's Time Square and went through Philadelphia on his way to Chicago, where he joined the iconic Route 66, crossing America and finishing at Santa Monica pier 32 days later.

Sam said: "Although it was one of the hardest challenges of my life, everything about it was amazing.

Away from many of his home comforts in England, he found there were obstacles to overcome.

"I wasn't expecting it to be so hot," said Sam, who had trouble with the high humidity of states in the Midwest. "I felt like I was running and riding in a sauna.

"However, I really loved the American Midwest," he said. "The scenery was amazing and it felt like it was the real America because it wasn't touristy. There were plenty of white picket fences and farms."

Sam was joined on his journey by his fiancee, Kerry.

"Kerry was part of the support team and was with me all the way across America," said Sam. "We finished up by getting married in Las Vegas. It was a fantastic way to end the trip.

"While I was running and cycling she was in the RV doing the wedding planning."

Sam was only 29 when he completed his Epic Run (50 marathons in 50 days) of 2,500 miles around the UK coastline five years ago.

He became widely known as the Epic Runner and raised a whopping £16,500 for Help for Heroes.

Comparing the two challenges, he said completing the America challenge was more difficult.

"I was getting a bit older, so I knew I couldn't run every day, and with the bike it allowed me to cover a lot of distance.

"But it hurt me more this time," he added. "I lost two stone while I was there, and I had to remove two of my toenails because of the impact on my feet. I felt relieved to get to Santa Monica."

He said arriving in the California coastal city was a great feeling, as he not only received rousing applause from his team members but other bystanders.

"My friends, my team and everyone else on the pier was started cheering for me," said Sam. "It was amazing."

If anyone would like to make a donation to Help for Heroes on behalf of Sam and his charity challenge, visit samboatwright.com