National Conference League match official Ellis McCarthy is running between every NCL club and their neighbours during lockdown in aid of Rugby League Cares.

After beginning his challenge visiting the clubs of Hull, McCarthy recently moved on to tackling Yorkshire with support from Thornhill Trojans, Stanningley and full-time match official Rob Hicks.

McCarthy said: “I started my journey on Monday 25th May by running the equivalent of the distance between all the clubs in the Hull region.

“It was great to see people coming out to support me and a great cause from the beginning of my challenge.

“Richard Thompson – a Hull-based match official – did two of the legs and Lee James – of Myton Warriors – completed a run too.

“I am now into my third week of running and I have raised nearly £600 for RL Cares covering 108 miles between all of the Hull and Yorkshire-based clubs.

“I began the Lancashire leg of my journey this past week and will move on to Cumbria and the North East in the coming weeks.

NCL Chairman, Trevor Hunt, said: “Referee Ellis McCarthy continues his epic run between the NCL Member Clubs as he looks to gain support for RL Cares.

“He’s doing a terrific job and getting some great support, and it does help. If he’s coming along to your club or indeed you just want to join in, let him know and give him whatever support you can. It’s all in good cause.”

Thornhill’s Andrew Byram and Head Coach Danny Ratcliffe supported McCarthy on an organised route last week as he visited the Trojans, Dewsbury Moor and Dewsbury Celtic.

He was also assisted with Tom and Glynn Bell from Stanningley on Friday 5th June as he tackled tougher terrain and warmer weather conditions while match official Andy Sweet also assisted on McCarthy’s run.

If you would like to get involved, you can follow Ellis’ journey on the following social media channels.

Facebook: @EllisRuns2020

Twitter: @EllisMcCarthy94

And, you can donate to the cause here.