A GROUP of men from Darlington have become one of the top "Movember" fundraisers in the country after walking more than 40 miles on Sunday.

Nicknaming themselves the Darlo Lads, they walked from Redcar to Darlington along the Teesdale Way – a total of 42.3 miles – for Movember, the men's health charity, which started with men growing moustaches during November.

While 42 people set off on the walk, only 34 managing to complete the challenging feat, which saw them set off at midnight and arrive at Broken Scar, Darlington, at about 4pm.

Read more: Darlington's 'Darlo Lads' to hold Movember walk to get men talking mental health

Joe Crees, one of the organisers, said: "It was hard. Pretty much everyone suffered with blisters and other ailments and there were some pretty funny walking styles towards the end.

"We were met by family and friends at the end and they all clapped us over the line which was actually quite emotional.

The Northern Echo:

"All in all it was a tough night and day but it was so worth it. Being one of the top 10 UK fundraisers feels amazing! The lads are absolutely buzzing."

As well as raising money, the walk and talk was also aimed at getting men to talk about mental health.

They have raised about £10,000 and are still hoping to top the £13,500 they raised last year, when they walked the other end of the Teesdale Way, from upper Teesdale to Darlington.

 

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