A skateboarder from Leeds has completed an impressive 170-mile journey that saw him stop off at Britain's highest pub as part of a quest to raise money for charity.
Joe Hunt, 27, skated all the way to Whitby from Walney alongside friend Matthew O’Toole, as part of a four-day fundraising mission for Cancer Research UK.
The pair took on the challenge after family members had been diagnosed with cancer, and have now more than doubled their original fundraising target.
As part of the 'gruelling' 170-mile coast-to-coast trip, the duo stopped off at 17th-century boozer the Tan Hill Inn - notorious for being the highest pub in Britain.
At 1732 feet above sea level, it was no mean feat getting up there - at points, the terrain was so steep, the men said their boards starting rolling backwards.
However, after losing loved ones to cancer, they both wanted to do something to help others suffering from the disease and decided that, by breaking the trip down into four consecutive days, they could make it.
Speaking to Gazette Live, Matthew said: “I lost my cousin to my cancer. My mam had cancer and my grandad had cancer. Luckily they battled it and we found out Joe’s mam had cancer back in December.
“She fought it though. It was a charity we thought would be worthy for us to take on the challenge really.
“It was really hard. We battled through every type of weather possible - wind, thunder and lightning, rain, blistering sun but really really fun. I have got blisters all over my feet but it was well worth it.
"I went through a lot of emotions in in my mind. There were a lot of thoughts going on.
"It was partially part of the motivation that the pain we were going through was nothing compared to what other people are going for and it was very overwhelming coming from Tan to that final stretch into Whitby and seeing everybody.”
At the time of writing, the Joe and Matthew have raised £1,004 of their original £500 target.
The skateboarder's Just Giving page reads: "
"This July 6th - July 9th Matthew O'Toole and Joe Hunt are skateboarding from Walney to Whitby a total of 179 miles, we are breaking this down in to 4 consecutive days, July 6th Walney - Oxenholme 43 miles, July 7th Oxenholme - Tan Hill 44 miles, July 8th Tan Hill - Appleton Wiske 47 miles and July 9th Appleton Wiske - Whitby 45 miles.
"This will be a very hard challenge for us all especially the skate up to Tan Hill Inn which is the highest pub in Britain ! a whopping 1732 feet above sea level!
"This challenge is all in need of Cancer Research UK to try help beat cancer.
"1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime. We can all play our part to support the research that will beat it. Help fund life-saving research by making a donation to my page. Cancer is happening right now, which is why we are fundraising right now for Cancer Research UK. There’s no time to lose!
"Please help us by donating to our page today and help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured."
Chow Down, a huge open-air event space in Leeds, is set to reopen this autumn for a whole new era.
The popular site will relaunch as BAR Events Leeds, kicking things off with a month-long Oktoberfest celebration.
Chow Down was a hugely popular hangout in the city, from summer beer garden pints to cosy winter cocktails - but closed its doors for good back in 2023.
Now, it's set to reopen as a brand-new venue, from the team behind BAR Events UK.
Situated just a 10 minute walk from Leeds train station, the new venue will be home to a giant teepee beer hall, complete with live Oompah bands, authentic German street food, a huge bar with two-pint steins of beer, and a lively festival atmosphere.
And with tickets priced at just £5, it'll be one of Leeds' most accessible seasonal events.
The Oktoberfest celebrations will run Thursday to Sunday throughout October, kicking off on Friday 2 October - but they've said that Oktoberfest is just the beginning.
There's a calendar of themed pop-up events in the works year-round, as well as operating as a private-hire venue.
Owner of BAR Events UK and BAR Events Leeds, Dan Lakin, said: "I've been running events for decades, and BAR Events UK has now been creating memorable experiences for over 11 years.
"During that time we've delivered thousands of weddings, festivals, corporate events and private celebrations across Yorkshire and beyond.
The old Chow Down will reopen in Leeds this autumnThe outdoor space will reopen with a huge Oktoberfest celebration
"I'd been looking for the right venue where we could create something permanent, hosting regular public events as well as private functions.
"I never expected to find such an incredible open space right on the doorstep of Leeds city centre, and when this opportunity came up I knew I had to take it.
"Oktoberfest is just the start. We've got lots of exciting ideas planned for the site over the coming months, and we're looking forward to creating a venue that people return to again and again.
"Whether it's a night out with friends, a corporate event or a private celebration, we hope BAR Events Leeds becomes somewhere the city can really enjoy."
The venue will open to the public on Friday 2 October then run every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout, with one session on Thursdays and Fridays and two sessions each Saturday and Sunday - tickets are on sale now via Skiddle.
Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
Georgina Pellant -
13th July 2023 
