A HAWORTH man has completed a gruelling coast-to-coast challenge in tribute to his dad.

Tom Emmott covered a punishing 243-kilometre route across South Island, New Zealand.

His mammoth effort raised more than £5,000 for the Cellar Trust, a charity which helps people in the district who are suffering from a mental health crisis.

Tom’s dad, David Emmott, died at his Haworth home in April last year. He was 60.

The death of the popular, motorbike-loving stone merchant sent shockwaves through the community.

“Since losing dad I wanted to do something to show how proud I was of him for everything he achieved even whilst he was struggling with his mental health,” said Tom, who is from Haworth but now lives in New Zealand.

He took on the Kathmandu Coast to Coast – which involves 140km of cycling, 70km of kayaking and more than 30km of mountain running – and finished the race in 14 hours, 44 minutes.

“At first I thought I would be out of my depth with the Coast to Coast but being brought up to embrace adventure it was the perfect challenge!” said Tom, who – with his older brother, George – inherited his dad’s passion for motorbikes.

“I had to train four to five times a week for around eight months.

“I was totally focused and determined to do the best I could.

“The race was amazing. The mountain section included some of the best views I’ve ever seen. Probably the toughest section was five hours of kayaking, including navigating some really tricky rapids.

“My mum, family and friends were all at the finish line cheering me on. They supported me all the way and I couldn’t have done it without them.

“The Cellar Trust is a great cause and I’m so pleased that people donated.

“The amount raised also shows how well-loved my dad was.

“This was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done and it was great to be supporting people experiencing mental health problems.”

The Cellar Trust provides support 365 days a year for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

It offers a range of services to help those with mental health problems rebuild confidence and develop the skills and qualifications needed to get back into work.

Tom is thanked by the trust.

Andrew McCarthy, head of fundraising and development, added: “Completing the Coast to Coast is a fantastic achievement for Tom and a very fitting way to pay tribute to his dad.

“The money he raised is a lot for a local charity like us and it will be a great help in making sure we can keep supporting people facing mental health challenges when they need that support.”

For more details of how you help support the Cellar Trust, visit thecellartrust.org/support-us.