Harvey McWilliams charity Darlington to walk to Exeter

Michael McWilliams, founder of the Harvey McWilliams foundation in Darlington. <i>(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)</i>
Michael McWilliams, founder of the Harvey McWilliams foundation in Darlington. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Runners and supporters of a Darlington charity are set to walk over 350 miles to the other end of the country to raise mental health awareness. 

This spring the Harvey McWilliams Foundation, based on Whessoe Road is set to take on its biggest challenge yet by walking 356 miles to Exeter.

On May 25, a team of six is set to walk 24 hours a day until they reach the south west city in what will be the fourth annual 'For Harvey' walk.

Harvey McWilliams.Harvey McWilliams. (Image: HARVEY MCWILLIAMS FOUNDATION) Harvey, described by his parents as a "tornado of joy" was an 18-year-old Exeter University student who sadly took his own life in December 2021.

A year later, his dad Michael McWilliams, 48, set up the foundation in 2022 in honour of his son, who was not just a keen footballer for Darlington FC, but also a huge Sunderland fan.

Michael now helps give second-hand kit including boots, strips, shin pads and socks away in Harvey's name to young football players.

As planning for the walk continues, Michael told The Northern Echo that the walk is set to be a very emotional one for himself and his family.

He said: "The link is that the last two football clubs he played for were in Exeter and Darlington - Harvey played for Darlington until he moved down south for university.

Michael McWilliams.Michael McWilliams. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) "We're set to take shifts between us in teams of two whilst others rest so we always have boots on the ground.

"The main thing is spreading awareness of what we do as a charity but this is something I've wanted to do since we set it up.

"We have a strong connection to Exeter, it's the last place Harvey was living and playing football.


Recommended:


"But, it is going to be quite tough for me physically and emotionally too, walking past where he used to stay, his old university room on the way to the Exeter Royals ground."

But, the walk is also set to be a team effort. Michael has begun reaching out to local walking groups up and down the country who may wish to join them for a few miles.

He added: "The good thing about it is that it gets people talking - whether it's about mental health, bullying or domestic violence which are things close to our hearts."

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos