AN OTLEY man's run to Addingham and back has raised £1,301 for charity.

Danny Cooney completed the 19 mile challenge on Sunday, December 20, as part of his fundraising for the Sylvia Wright Trust.

The total generated from the run was boosted by proceeds from a coffee morning and from a raffle sponsored by the Otley Sainsbury's store.

The Trust, set up by a former Yorkshire nurse more than 30 years ago, helps underprivileged and disabled children in India.

Mr Cooney began his fundraising last November in support of local woman Emma Nicholson, a parishioner at Out Lady and All Saints Church, who is working for the charity this year.

He presented a cheque for £1,301.30p to the chairman of the Sylvia Wright Trust, Tony Allinson, at a recent coffee morning held at the church.

Mr Cooney said: "'What started out as a small personal fundraising run ended up bringing everyone together and galvanizing the community.

"I can’t thank people enough for their generosity and, in particular, anyone who helped out over the last few weeks.

"It was a great team effort and the money will be put to very good use by Sylvia in India."

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West), who with Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) and other local councillors was involved in supporting Mr Cooney's efforts, added: "It was great to see all of Danny’s hard

work paying off with the presentation of a cheque for more than a thousand pounds to a very worthwhile cause.

"The funds raised will have a significant positive impact on the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable children and adults through the Trust’s projects in Tamil Nadu, South India.

"I am pleased to support this fantastic local effort to raise money for a Leeds-based charity which does so much to improve the lives of others.

"Congratulations Danny and a huge well done to all who assisted him in his fundraising, including the coffee morning and raffle!"