Group completes charity walk to deliver match ball

The group arrived at Franklin's Gardens in time for the match against Leicester

A group of friends has completed a walk between two rugby stadiums to deliver a match ball - and raise money for charity.

Dubbed The MacMillion, the 15-strong group walked the 36 miles (58km) from Welford Road - the home of the Leicester Tigers - to Northampton Saints' ground, Franklin's Gardens, in time for the opening kick on Saturday.

They completed the trek in honour of friend Phillip Grisewood, from Daventry, who was diagnosed with cancer six years ago.

"It's unbelievable. It really restores your faith in human nature," he said.

The group delivered the match ball for the East Midlands derby, seeing the Saints beat the Tigers 40-17.

The walk - which began at 22:00 BST on Friday - recognised the work of the medical teams at Northampton General Hospital and University Hospital Leicester, where Mr Grisewood has been undergoing treatment.

He followed their overnight trek from a support car.

"It's incredible the amount of support we've received," he said.

"It really restores your faith in human nature. I just can't believe how incredible these people have been, they really helped me get through this.

"[When it comes to cancer] just talk to your friends, talk to your family. Go on the journey together, it's worth it."

Mr Grisewood said the walk had shown the best of human nature

Mike Adams, who was part of the group who joined the hike, said it was "pretty cold" and "long", but he was grateful for "a lot of support along the way".

"It's been an emotional journey," he said.

The team hopes money raised with improve cancer awareness and early detection.

Mike Adams was among the group who tackled the 36-mile trek from Leicester to Northampton