A 59-YEAR-old ultra distance runner was yesterday due to complete the UK’s toughest endurance challenge - for the second time.

Angela White, a self employed clinical healthcare consultant from Kendal, began on Saturday the 190 mile self-supported race from coast to coast along Alfred Wainwright’s route.

The Northern Traverse began at St Bees on the west coast of Cumbria before passing through three national parks finishing in Robin Hood’s Bay on the east coast - taking in iconic mountains, valleys and moors.

Two years ago, Angela first took on the Northern Traverse in memory of her husband, Alun, who lost his life to a brain tumour 11 years ago.

She is raising funds for The Brain Tumour Charity.

Angela said before she set off: “I know just how much it hurt last time so I’m not looking forward to that but my pain will soon be a memory, unlike that suffered by people with brain tumours and their families.

“With 28,000 feet of ascent and literally no end to the pain until I finish, which is up to five days after setting off, it’s not for the faint-hearted. Which probably begs the question why am I doing it for the second time?”

This year, Angela is inspired by the story of Rachel Cole, from near Gateshead.

She explained: “Rachel’s in her 30s and a mum of two young children. She tragically lost her brother Graeme to a grade four brain tumour when he was just 28 and Rachel also received a brain tumour diagnosis in 2016. She is now preparing for chemotherapy to treat her own grade four brain tumour.

“All funds raised will go to the Graeme Turner Fund, set up in his memory, that supports The Brain Tumour Charity’s research into high grade brain tumours. Rachel’s family will be able to choose where the money is directed.

“No money is enough to fight this, the most underfunded of cancers.

“This needs to change.”

Rob Colgrave, the charity’s community fundraiser, said: “The Northern Traverse is no normal challenge by any stretch of the imagination and for Angela to take it on for a second time is outstanding.

“Every year, 11,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour - that’s 30 a day.

“We receive no government funding and rely on voluntary donations.”

Find out more about Angela’s Northern Traverse attempt and to donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pushboundaries