Football club's trust sets 100-mile charity goal

The charity event aims to raise a five-figure sum for the chosen charities

Members of Rotherham United's community trust are embarking on a 100-mile challenge in aid of local charity projects.

The 25 volunteers set off from the League One football side's New York Stadium on Wednesday and aim to arrive at Northampton Town's Sixfields Stadium in time for their side's away fixture on Saturday.

Money raised by the four-day walking, running or cycling challenge will be used to support physical and mental health projects in South Yorkshire for children and adults.

Jonathan Allan, the trust's director of development, said: "Every journey begins with one small step, and this is without doubt one of the toughest physical challenges the trust has embarked upon."

The challenge is being done in legs of between 19 and 29 miles, with groups changing places as they progress along the route.

One of the causes chosen to benefit from the challenge is Sheffield-based Mums in Need, which works on confronting coercive control.

Its founder Laura Riley said she was "delighted" that her organisation had been chosen to benefit from the walk, adding: "The abuse can go on for years and years because they have had children with their abuser.

"We help them go through the family courts and for the women and their children to get mental health support."

The journey also takes in Mansfield, Loughborough and Market Harborough, with former Rotherham United and Northampton Town player Ryan Cresswell taking part in the final leg.

Mr Allen said: "The event is the culmination of many months of planning.

"We hope it's something that doesn't just give a nod to the 100-year association Rotherham United has enjoyed with the town, but the transformational role sport can play in improving the physical and mental well-being of everyone living in Rotherham."

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