A MONK Bretton man will run 430 miles - with the elevation double that of Mount Everest - in just seven days next month to raise money for a charity close to him.

Woody Felton, 52, was diagnosed with autism last year - something that just ‘made sense’ to him.

His son was also diagnosed in 2020 whilst his daughter is going through the processes to do the same thing.

Having used running as an ‘escape’ throughout his life, Woody will now run 428 miles from West to East - a feat never been done before - to raise money for the National Autistic Society.

Woody, who joined the army after leaving school, said: “Discovering my autism has given me a fresh perspective on my life - a reflection on my past and a positive outlook for my future.

“I understand so much more about my difficulties and my strengths.

“Perceptions about autism are personal and everyone’s experience and journey is their own.

“I choose to embrace my autism and hope I can encourage others to do the same.

“The National Autistic Society offers support and guidance in so many ways to the autism community and I am glad to be able to give something back.”

He sets off on his journey, which has the elevation of double Mount Everest, on April 6 - starting at Portpatrick.

Having originally set out to raise £2,000, Woody has already raised more than £1,800 before embarking on his journey - which can be followed on his Facebook page ‘Autistic Runner’.

To donate to his fundraiser follow the link on the Barnsley Chronicle website.