Members of a Darlington-based charity have spoken of their delight at having completed their third annual walk to raise mental health awareness over the weekend.
The team from the Harvey McWilliams Foundation covered 33.5 from Sunderland's Stadium of Light to Darlington's Blackwell Meadows on Saturday (August 12).
This is the third time that the For Harvey walk took place to raise funds and mental health awareness - in memory of 18-year-old Exeter University student Harvey McWilliams, who sadly took his own life in December 2021.
Those attending the walks showed up in football shirts from clubs across the country to show their love for Harvey who was not only a keen footballer for Darlington FC, but also a huge Sunderland fan.
Michael McWilliams, 48, set up the foundation in 2022 in honour of his son and is now based out of Whessoe Road in Darlington, where he gives away second-hand kit in Harvey's name, to young footballers. It includes boots, strips, shin pads and socks.
Speaking after the walk, Michael has spoke his delight at how it all went, as well as who showed up to take part.
He told the Echo: "We had a good turnout to start with and then more people joined me on the way. We walked 33.5 miles and it took us thirteen hours and fifteen minutes.
"A lot of people showed up including our friends, Harvey's old friends from school so it was really nice to see their support and lots of different football colours.
"It was really nice, we spoke to so many people on the way that we didn't know. Members of the public asked us what we were doing and why. Upon reflection, we can't believe we walked that far all in one go.
"But, we did it - and we are really chuffed about it. It's our main event and something we want to do."
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Michael also wanted to issue a special thanks to The Sunderland Supporters Heaven Branch who gave them a send of complete with polo mints and a chocolate bar for energy.
As for next year's walk, plans are in the works for an extended route across the country which will be revealed closer to the time.
To find out more about the foundation, click here.
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