The family and friends of late 18-year-old Harvey McWilliams are to hold a walk in his memory this month - and are set to visit eight of the football clubs that Harvey represented. 

The budding teenage footballer took his own life just before Christmas 2021, leaving his friends and family devastated at losing their “tornado of joy”. 

The walk (to take place on April 22) is in aid of ManHealth, which is based in Shildon and runs groups across County Durham and Darlington to provide mental health support for men.

Last year, the family’s walk in Harvey’s memory not only raised £17,000, but also got more men to attend mental health groups. Michael is hoping that opening the dialogue again this year will get more men talking about their mental health.

Read more: Family's tribute as inquest held into Harvey McWilliams' death in Darlington

Football-mad Harvey had played for many local clubs, and the 13-mile walk will visit some of them – including Darlington Football Club, Longfield Academy, and Blackwell Rangers.

Harvey’s dad, Michael McWilliams, said: "On one hand we are really excited, but on the other, we don't want to be doing it. Suicide isn't just about depression and PTSD, you can just be pushed into a corner. 

"It is going to be really emotional for us, we're still grieving. But we want to do this every year in Harvey’s memory, and to get the word out for the mental health charity.”

“Hopefully, people from the houses and estates that we pass will get out and we who we are and what we're about.”

Read more: ManHealth's 130-mile trek for mental health dedicated to Darlington teen

The family is still grieving Harvey’s unexpected death. Michael said: “It is horrible, but we have to get through it. There are hundreds of people still turning out for Harvey – the walk will be brilliant, but really emotional for us all.”

As well as their annual walk, Harvey’s family and friends have also set up a charity foundation in his name.

The Harvey McWilliams Foundation will operate a boot and equipment library, which will allow people to donate their old football kit, including boots, socks, and shin pads, for others to use.

Read next: 

The family “has wanted to do this for a long while, to give something back” and has already had over 400 pairs of football boots donated for them to lend out.

Michael encouraged people to get involved in the walk. He said: “It might be in aid of ManHealth, but anyone can get involved and come along.

“We have people coming to do the walk from as far as London and Northumberland.

“Our theme is football kit, as Harvey was football mad, and a massive Sunderland fan. We invite staff, players and former players and the general public to walk with us in your team colours.

“You can join us at any point during the walk and walk as far or as little as you wish. We hope to make this walk a celebration of Harvey’s life.”

To sponsor the walk, follow this link. 

The walk will start at Darlington FC and people are encouraged to meet at 09.30 am for a 10.00 am start:

  1. Darlington Football Club, Blackwell Meadows, Grange Road, Darlington, DL1 5NR.
  2. Paul Bielby's Football Academy. Education Village  Salters Lane South  Darlington  DL1 2AN.
  3. Darlington 21st AllStars JFC. Longfield Academy School. Longfield Road Darlington Co Durham DL3 0HT.
  4. Whinfield Primary School. Augusta Close Darlington DL1 3HT.
  5. Longfield Academy FC. Longfield Academy Longfield Road Darlington Co Durham DL3 0HT.
  6. Blackwell Rangers FC. Hummersknott Academy Edinburgh Drive Darlington County Durham DL3 8AR.
  7. Darlington FC Academy. Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College Playing Fields Abbey Road Darlington DL3 8LR.
  8. Darlington FC. Darlington Football Club, Blackwell Meadows, Grange Road, Darlington, DL1 5NR.