Football charity walk held in memory of teenager

A charity set up in memory of a young football fan who died at the age of 18 has completed its third annual pilgrimage.

The Harvey McWilliams Foundation provides young people with football kits and holds the trek from Sunderland's Stadium of Light to Darlington FC to raise awareness of mental wellbeing.

It was set up by Michael McWilliams whose son Harvey died in 2021.

Mr McWilliams said during the 13-hour journey, more than 50 people joined the walk and the response was "amazing".

The group setting off from the Stadium of Light to begin the 13-hour journey

Mr McWilliams said his son, who took his own life, had a reputation for "generously donating his kit to those without" and this inspired him to set up the foundation.

He said: "The response has been great, people saying that you're doing a really good thing.

"It's just amazing that it's possible to support so many young people in need.

"A special thanks to Joanne and all the Sunderland supporters at Heaven branch who came along to support the beginning of the walk.

"It's not just about the charity really it's about people getting together," he added.

Harvey McWilliams, who died in 2021, was a Sunderland AFC fan

Liam McAllister, 18, who used to play football with Harvey when they were children, said: "It's obviously quite a hard thing to talk about.

"It's just wonderful what the foundation is doing because that's just the embodiment of Harvey, helping other people he just loved it."

About 50 walkers joined the annual trek dressed in football tops

Tommy Miller, 21, said: "I knew Harvey at secondary school.

"We always went to the local park and played football religiously.

"We go on these walks to promote his name and keep his name alive and I think that’s what he would’ve wanted because he always gave his kit away."

"The walk is pretty emotional but it gets people talking and gets people out which is good."

Mr McWilliams added: "It doesn't change, it is tough not just physically but emotionally.

"It's something that we need to do every year just to get Harvey's name out there."

Friends of Harvey joined the annual walk between the two football clubs