HARTLEPOOL United players have given their backing to a charity challenge aimed at raising money for Cancer Research UK and the NSPCC.

The Pools squad wore a warm-up T-shirt at Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday (February 8) in recognition of the charity efforts being made by two of defender Christian Burgess’ friends.

Scotty Emmons and Lucie Barney are set to embark on an endurance test of 40 marathons in 40 days, taking them from John O’Groats to London, covering an incredible 1,048 miles in the process.

The duo, who are in training for the 2015 event, are friends with the on-loan Middlesbrough defender and he wanted to help them raise awareness of 40 In 40 UK initiative.

The 22-year-old Essex-born player said: “They’ve climbed Kilimanjaro, done marathons, walked the Great Wall of China. It is amazing all the stuff they’ve done for good causes and between then they’ve raised around £40,000 in the last three or four years.

“Obviously this challenge is going to be very tough but I just wanted to support him in any way I could so I’m delighted that the club and my team-mates are able to help out.”

All money raised will be split directly between Cancer Research UK and the NSPCC. To donate visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/40in40uk