Footballers go coast-to-coast to raise awareness of mental health

A team of former footballers is embarking on an epic coast-to-coast challenge to raise awareness of mental health, and raise money for mental health and NHS charities.

The group are setting off from Carlisle on Wednesday morning, before following Hadrian's Wall to arrive in Newcastle on Sunday. The aim is to walk 18 miles a day, and encourage people to open up about their mental health problems.

WATCH: Former Liverpool, Wigan, Coventry and Sheffield Wednesday keeper Chris Kirkland tells us about the coast-to-coast challenge

#WalkingsBrilliant Dream Team

Among the team of walkers setting off is

• Ex-Nottingham Forest 'keeper Mark Crossley
• Ex Liverpool, Coventry, Sheffield Wednesday, and Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland
• Hull legend Dean Windass
• Forest legend Nigel Jemson
• Former York City, Stoke and Preston striker Jon Parkin
• A host of support staff
• AND former World Champion Boxer Tony Bellew

The ex-professionals have been united by their love of walking as a way of nursing old injuries and taking care of their wellbeing.

Their #WalkingsBrilliant hashtag shares their regular walks, and encourages others to head outdoors.

Support the #WalkingsBrilliant challenge

Speaking ahead of the journey, Chris Kirkland told us: "You can use your profile for the better sometimes. There's a lot more (ex-pros) speaking out about the troubles they've had how they've been feeling, and if we can help just one person it'll be totally worth it.

"I've always walked, I've always had dogs, I found it a big release and particularly after matches, just going out, you just seem to forget about things, no worries, no stress, you just see the birds flying, the wind blowing in the trees, it's just so relaxing.

Asked if the challenge will cause problems for ex-pros who've had many injuries over the years, he said: "There's going to be times when you feel like you can't go again, the third or fourth morning is going to be difficult, but we'll pull each other through it. Hopefully once you get going your body will loosen up a bit, but there's no way we're not going to complete it."

The walkers had originally planned to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, but Covid has meant they've had to face their challenge on "home" soil instead.

And they've got their own mascot - Sam, Chris Kirkland's dog - will join them for the entire journey.

Money raised from the challenge will be going to mental health and NHS charities.

There is a fundraising page where you can make your donations

You can also follow their journey on Twitter