THE partner of a football club director who died suddenly at a match is preparing to complete a charity walk and pub crawl in his memory.

Susan Charlton's partner John Hay was supporting his team Shildon AFC in a Durham Challenge Cup tie against Seaham Red Star when he collapsed in January 2013.

The 69-year-old club director had previously undergone a heart bypass as well as having both his legs amputated as a result of Type 1 diabetes.

His death left Ms Charlton, who he had been with him for 37 years, devastated.

"It was just so sudden and nobody expected anything like that," she said. "He was very determined and got through having both legs amputated - he was amazing.

"I used to go to the games but not very often because I worked Saturdays so my only regret is that I did not go to more games with him," the 68-year-old added. "I'm sure he is looking down though."

The Northern Echo:

WALK : John Hay and Susan Charlton were together for 37 years

Determined to keep his memory alive, Ms Charlton took up some of Mr Hay's roles at the club including kit leader and said she felt the club had become her second family.

And every year since she has held a charity night as well as an unusual fundraiser.

Fundraisers so far have included a skydive and driving a tank which has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

And this year, Ms Charlton will be holding a walk and pub crawl on Saturday, October 20.

Along with ten volunteers, Ms Charlton will be starting at Shildon AFC where the group will enjoy a full breakfast before walking to 12 pubs and clubs for a drink in Mr Hay's memory.

Ms Charlton said she would be enjoying "a gin or 12" during the sponsored event which she joked she had found willing volunteers for.

"Everyone is getting on board," she said. "We have already raised more than £550."

The route will end at Bishop Auckland AFC where the group will enjoy their final drink ahead of the match between the two rival clubs.

All funds raised will be split between the charities: Diabetes UK, The Prosthetic Limb Centre at James Cook University Hospital and Shildon AFC. The group will meet at Shildon AFC at 10.30am and will be carrying donation buckets along the way and at the ground if anyone wants to donate.