Charity walk in memory of Sheffield United's Maddy Cusack

The Maddy Cusack Foundation was set up following her death

Family and friends of former Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack walked 40 miles from Derby County's Pride Park Stadium to Bramall Lane in her memory.

Cusack, the first female player to make 100 appearances for the Blades, died in September at the age of 27.

The walk aimed to raise funds for the Maddy Cusack Foundation, which was set up following her death.

Cusack's father David said she was "always in our thoughts", adding: "She would have loved something like this".

The walkers set off at about 05:00 GMT on Saturday and completed the challenge at about 20:00.

Mr Cusack said: "She would have loved something like this, that's why we are doing it."

David Cusack said Maddy is "always in our thoughts"

Cusack's sister Olivia said: "I know if Maddy was in my shoes she would be able to do it and she would do it for me."

Her mum Deborah added: "She was very determined so I'm going to be determined as well."

The Maddy Cusack foundation was set up to continue the midfielder's legacy "by supporting and making a difference within the world of women's football".

Mr Cusack said: "The girls have set up the foundation and it's really important work they do.

"It's like the old truism, out of something bad something good has got to happen."

An inquest into Cusack's death at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire was opened in October and adjourned, with the medical cause not yet established.

Police did not treat her death as suspicious.

Last month the Football Association announced it had launched its own investigation into the circumstances leading up to Cusack's death.

The announcement came after an independent investigation into the events leading up to her death found no evidence of wrongdoing at Sheffield United.

That investigation was launched by the club at the request of, and with co-operation from, Cusack's family.