Ricky Durkin

8:00am - Noon

Email the studio

Boy George

Everything I Own

Listen Live Podcasts

Harrogate man to trek 100km across Sahara Desert for charity

Friday, 15 August 2025 06:50

Harrogate resident James Marrero-Allen is fundraising for a breast cancer charity.

A Harrogate resident is preparing to trek 100km across the Sahara Desert this November as part of an epic fundraising challenge.

James Marrero-Allen will be raising money for CoppaFeel!, a UK charity focused on the early detection of breast cancer.

James will take on the challenge over five days, facing high temperatures and tough terrain. He will join a group of other fundraisers led by Giovanni Fletcher and other celebrity captains.

Although he has not been directly affected by breast cancer, James said he has friends and acquaintances who have faced various forms of cancer.

He told Your Harrogate:

“The Sahara Trek is about pushing myself to the limit for a cause that matters deeply.

“It’s about standing with everyone fighting cancer, helping to spread life-saving awareness, and showing that together we can make a difference.”

Speaking about the charity, he said:

“CoppaFeel! is on a mission to encourage everyone to check their chests regularly — because early detection saves lives.

“And it’s not just about women, men can get breast cancer too.

“Every blister, every step, will be worth it if it inspires just one more person to take action.

“If you can support in any way, it would be hugely appreciated and it goes long way in the fight against cancer.”

Donations to James’ fundraising campaign can be made via his JustGiving page here.

More from Local News

Vaccines to be made accessible to struggling Yorkshire families

Health visitors in Yorkshire will be taking part in a new pilot scheme that aims to make childhood vaccinations more accessible for families facing barriers to getting to a GP surgery.
Final slots available for Christmas tree collection service

Final booking slots are still available for a Christmas tree collection service run by Knaresborough Young Farmers.
Harrogate resident receives knighthood in King's New Year's Honours list

A Harrogate resident has been awarded a knighthood in the King's New Year's Honours list, marking one of several recognitions for people connected to the town.
Dog kicked in the head and knocked unconscious in Boroughbridge

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following reports of an "unprovoked" attack on a dog in Boroughbridge.
Police seek two men after Harrogate assault leaves victim unconscious

Police have issued CCTV images of two men in connection with a serious assault investigation in Harrogate.
Police appeal after quad bike theft in North Rigton

Police are appealing for information about a rural burglary in North Rigton.
Location of proposed Battery Energy Storage System near Harrogate questioned

A North Yorkshire MP says rural villages are not the place for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) after plans were submitted for a storage site in his constituency.
Motorists told to expect disruption ahead of Otley Road works

Drivers in Harrogate are being warned to plan ahead as a busy programme of roadworks are set to get underway in the New Year - including a lengthy closure on Otley Road.
Forecasters predict snow in Harrogate next week

Forecasters are predicting a spell of wintry weather in Harrogate next week.
Carol Vorderman visits Harrogate during festive Yorkshire stay

TV star Carol Vorderman was spotted in Harrogate whilst spending time in Yorkshire over Christmas and New Year.
Ricky Durkin announced as new breakfast presenter at Your Harrogate Radio

It’s a case of 'new year, new schedule' at Your Harrogate Radio, with a refreshed weekday line-up on the way from January 2026.
Pateley Bridge to host first New Year's Day cyclo-cross event

The Nidderdale Showground at Pateley Bridge will be hosting a popular off-road cycling event for the first time on New Year’s Day.
Harrogate MP welcomes government U-turn on family farm inheritance tax

The MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough has welcomed the government's decision to amend proposed changes to the family farm inheritance tax.
Santa Paws: Festive photo competition winners revealed

The winners of this year's Santa Paws photo competition with Claro Hill Vets have been revealed.
DalesBus reveals timetable over Christmas period

DalesBus has published details of how bus and train services will operate across the Harrogate area over the Christmas and New Year period, with amended timetables in place on several days.
Festive tractor run raises £45,000 for charity

A festive convoy of more than 200 decorated tractors has raised more than £45,000 for charity after touring towns and villages across the Aire Valley.
CCTV appeal after Ripon shop theft

Police have CCTV images of two men they’d like to speak to following a shop theft in Ripon.
Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton meets fans in Harrogate

Fans of The Yorkshire Vet had the chance to meet one of the programme's best-known faces when Julian Norton appeared at an event in Harrogate earlier this month.
Santa delivers gifts to Harrogate children on all-electric sleigh

Santa delivered early Christmas cheer to families in Harrogate last week after arriving on an all-electric sleigh in the form of a decorated bus.
Rudy's Pizza set to open new Harrogate restaurant

A popular Neapolitan pizzeria with locations across the North is set to open in Harrogate.