'Overwhelming' support for ManHealth walk at Sunderland FC

The team from ManHealth, which is based in Shildon, in County Durham, are walking in memory of Darlington teenager Harvey McWilliams, who died last year.

They are visiting football clubs across the region as part of March for Men-tal Health, which is aimed at raising cash for the charity, as well as awareness about the issue.

Read more: March for mental health: Football clubs ready to help remember Darlington teen

Charity founder Paul Bannister, who is among the walkers, said: “We have some aching bodies and flagging spirits but we are keeping going.

“There are about 14 of us doing the whole thing but hopefully we will be lifted with more people joining us on Saturday. It’s going to be tough to complete but it’s been really good so far.

“The support has been absolutely outstanding. The amount of people who have been aware of the walk and why we are doing it is absolutely amazing.

“We are overwhelmed by the reception.

“It’s hard work having to raise awareness in this way but it has been good and we are well on our way to reaching our fundraising target.”

On Friday, the walkers were met by members of Sunderland AFC Branch Liaison Council, as well as former players, as they arrived at the Beacon of Light. 

Cath Reid, secretary of the branch, said they were keen to support the initiative because of their own work to support the mental health of supporters.

It runs a match day mental health hub for supporters and anyone else who needs help.

It was set up in 2019 and runs during every home match.

Cath said: “It came about a few years because we were concerned about the number of supporters who had taken their own lives. I remember we had a fundraiser for mental health and when we were there he heard a branch member had taken his own life.

“The number of people, mainly men, taking their own lives is frightening.

“We’ve had children as young as 13 trying to take their life. It’s so, so sad.”

The hub runs with the help of counsellors from Washington Mind, who are on hand to speak to anyone who seeks support.

Cath added: “People can walk in and talk to counsellors if they want advice or support.

“Even during Covid we couldn’t run the hub but we did try to support our supporters who were going through a tough time.”

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The branch welcomed the team from ManHealth to the Beacon of Light on Friday, offering refreshments to the weary walkers.

Cath said: “You can’t pick and choose what part of mental health to support. We will go out and do anything we can to support and get the message out there.”

Among the walkers taking part in the event is Michael McWilliams, who is Harvey’s dad and works for ManHealth.

Harvey was 18 when he died in December and was a talented young player, having played for Darlington FC’s academy and more recently Exeter Panthers. He was a passionate Sunderland fan.

People are welcome to join the walk over the weekend as it reaches County Durham and Darlington, before ending in Middlesbrough on Monday.

For more details and to find out where they are visit https://manhealth.enthuse.com/pf/paul-bannister-8caea

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