Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Kacey Musgraves

Dry Spell

Listen Live

Spofforth man completes Paris Marathon for life-saving charity

Monday, 20 April 2026 08:25

Josef Rogers (front centre) completed the Paris Marathon earlier this month.

A member of staff from The Castle Inn in Spofforth has completed the iconic Paris Marathon, raising funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Josef Rogers took on the 26.2-mile challenge on Sunday 12th April - and his efforts have raised more than £1,600 so far.

A keen runner, Josef has previously taken part in events including the Yorkshire Marathon and Tough Mudder, but says this challenge carried particular significance.

He said:

“This marathon felt different. It wasn’t just about pushing myself physically, it was about raising money for a cause that’s incredibly important to us as a team.”

Malvern Inns, which operates The Square & Compass in North Rigton and The Castle Inn, chose to support the British Heart Foundation for both its national impact and a deeply personal connection within the business.

Their Events Manager, Georgia, has lived with an undiagnosed genetic heart condition since birth - something that has shaped the team’s understanding of the importance of heart research and support.

Josef added:

“Georgia’s story really brings home how vital the work of the British Heart Foundation is.

“We wanted to do something that could help make a difference, even in a small way.”

Funds raised will go towards life-saving research, education and support services for people affected by heart conditions across the UK.

Josef said:

“We’ve already raised over £1,600, which is amazing. If anyone would like to support, you can find my JustGiving page by searching Josef Rogers JustGiving online.”

A spokesperson for Malvern Inns said:

“We’re incredibly proud of Josef’s achievement. It reflects the kind of people we have in our team - passionate, supportive and willing to go the extra mile for something that matters.”

Read more and support Josef's fundraising campaign here.

More from Local News

Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate

A new monthly IT support clinic aimed at helping elderly and vulnerable people with technology issues is launching in Harrogate next month.
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape

Harrogate College has marked a significant milestone in the development of its new £22m campus with a steel-signing ceremony.
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why

Visitors to Leeds train station will notice something a little different this weekend, as children from Martin House Children's Hospice take over the tannoy.
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event

Vernon Kay has been announced as a major new addition to the lineup for this summer's Symphonic Ibiza event at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.
Campaign opposing wind farm on edge of Yorkshire Dales gathers pace

Public consultations are now underway for a major campaign opposing plans for a wind farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
Bed Race organisers appeal for volunteer litter pickers

Organisers of this year's Great Knaresborough Bed Race are appealing for volunteers to help with litter picking after the event.
Have you seen this wanted Harrogate woman?

Police have launched an appeal to locate a woman following a series of offences in the Harrogate area.
Anti-knife crime author wins national award

A local author and knife crime campaigner has received a top award for a project highlighting the dangers of knife crime.
Police appeal after fight outside Harrogate McDonald's

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following an altercation in Harrogate.
Harrogate MP speaks out for SEND children in Parliament

Local MP Tom Gordon banged the drum for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) this week, as David Lammy opened the floor for scrutiny on the Youth Justice Reform and Delivery Plan.
Meet the Ripon healer looking to retain 'best in Yorkshire' crown

A Ripon holistic healer who built her business from her bed while battling Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) has been shortlisted for a prestigious Yorkshire award for the second year running.
Ripon voted as Yorkshire's top market destination

Ripon has been voted as Yorkshire's top market town to visit and second in a UK top ten league table.
Harrogate girls finish third in national football finals

Pupils at Saltergate Schools in Harrogate have been crowned the third best girls' primary football team in England after an impressive run to the national finals.
New strategy to address decline of nature across North Yorkshire

A major new strategy has been launched to help to address the decline of nature across North Yorkshire and York.
Pride Party in the Park to be held in Knaresborough

A new family-friendly community event celebrating individuality, creativity and inclusion is set to take place in Knaresborough later this year.
Series of free concerts to start at Valley Gardens this weekend

A summer programme of free live music is returning to parks across the Harrogate district this weekend.
New family support pilot to launch in Harrogate

Families across Harrogate are set to benefit from a new emotional wellbeing and communication programme launching this summer, led by newly-appointed Principle Trust Patron Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar.
Knaresborough pupil wins surprise tractor visit to school

A pupil at Meadowside Primary School in Knaresborough received a special tractor visit yesterday (Monday) as part of Your Harrogate's latest competition.
Country pub near Harrogate to celebrate fifth birthday

A popular pub between Harrogate and Ripon is set to celebrate its fifth birthday next week.
Council-run Brierley Homes set to report £7.5m loss

Taxpayers may not get money their back from North Yorkshire Council’s loss-making house building company, opposition leaders have warned as details of a £7.5m annual deficit are revealed.