A SPECIAL Care Baby Unit is set to benefit from a York man's determination to complete an ultramarathon this spring.

Materials controller Matthew McNamar, of Wiggington, has pledged to raise £1,000 for the York Special Care Baby Unit Support Group after signing up to the Hardmoor 200 Ultramarathon.

The race, which takes place over three days from May 5, starts in Hull and finishes in Helmsley and Mr McNamar aims to complete the 200-mile route within 60 hours.

His efforts are being supported by his employer Taylor Wimpey North Yorkshire who have boosted his fundraising by £250.

Mr McNamar, 32, said: "York Special Care Baby Unit Support Group is a fantastic charity and helps to nurse thousands of babies back to full health every year.

"While I have been lucky enough not to require the services of the charity, I have seen first-hand the work the team does, and wanted to do something unique and challenging to show my support."

Debbie Whittingham, sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey North Yorkshire, added: “The team is so proud of Matthew and his hard work so, to wish him the best of luck, we wanted to get his fundraising off to the best possible start with this donation.

“Matthew has already proven to be incredibly committed to his training, and no doubt a number of team members will be cheering him on from the sidelines during the event.”