TWO Darlington football coaches are walking 92 miles along the Teesdale Way – much of the length of the river Tees – to raise money for grassroots football clubs and three other charities.

Martin Gray Football Academy coaches Nathan Beadle and Nathan Stephenson are walking 92 miles of the 100-mile Teesdale Way, which runs between the Cumbrian Pennines and North Yorkshire, to raise funds for grassroots football and charities Autism UK, St Teresa's Hospice and Samaritans.

The pair will start the challenge on Saturday, July 18, splitting the distance into two 12-hour segments where they will sleep in a car overnight and finish the following day.

Hummersknott 28-year-old Mr Beadle, who coaches Darlington Spraire Lasses, said: "A lot of us at Martin Gray are grassroots coaches and have links with clubs. We know that they have struggled throughout the pandemic so wanted to help where we can."

The men, who discovered the Teesdale Way route after seeing signs when on long distance hikes for work, praised their employer for the support and backing they have received.

Noting the positive work of local NHS services through the pandemic, Mr Stephenson, 22 from Longfield, says Autism UK is a charity close to his heart.

He said: "My girlfriend's family member has Asperger’s and they have found it really difficult being inside for 12 weeks. They feel like they don't get much support so were gobsmacked when I said we are doing this for Autism UK as well, they thought it was just for football."

With a fundraising goal of £1,000, the two men hope to raise £200 extra so money can be more easily shared. Around 50 per cent will go to football teams, while the other half will be split evenly between the three charities.

For more information, visit Martin Gray on Facebook or click here for Just Giving.