Ex-footballer takes on 21-mile fundraising walk

Joe Thompson says he was motivated by former footballer Stephen Darby, who has motor neurone disease

Ex-footballer Joe Thompson was joined by relatives and former players on a 21-mile fundraising walk in a bid to raise awareness of cancer treatments after he was diagnosed for the third time.

About 300 people took part in the walk on Saturday from Manchester United's stadium to Rochdale FC's ground, where his playing career ended.

Former players Stephen Ireland and Chris Kirkland were among participants raising funds for Thompson as he undergoes treatment for stage four Hodgkin lymphoma.

Thompson told BBC North West Tonight: "If you were to say to me, maybe three or four months ago, that I'd be doing a 21-mile walk, I would have snapped your hand off because I was struggling to breathe."

About 300 people took part in the walk, which also passed by Manchester City, Salford City and Oldham FC

Thompson trained at Manchester United's academy from the age of nine and played professionally for Tranmere Rovers, Rochdale, Carlisle, Southport and Bury.

At the age of 23, he was diagnosed with blood cancer and returned to playing following six months of treatment.

The cancer returned three years later and in March he was diagnosed for the third time.

Speaking at the start of the walk, he said he was "well" and "excited".

"It's also important to see all these guys turn up because the vision for me is to create a wellness centre that helps people with better testing, also finding the root causes and educating people."

The married father-of-two said he was inspired to undertake the walk by former footballer Stephen Darby, who has motor neurone disease (MND), and added that the exercise had boosted his health.

"The real reason I'm doing this is because of Stephen Darby - he gave me the challenge and he's going through his own hardship and he's my inspiration.

"So we've just got to make it happen."