A Darlington dad who set up a charity after his football-loving teenage son tragically took his own life three years ago is carrying on his legacy by handing out boots to youngsters.

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

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.

The Northern Echo: Harvey McWilliams.Harvey McWilliams. (Image: HARVEY MCWILLIAMS FOUNDATION)

Now, dad Michael and his family are helping keep his legacy alive by supporting young footballers.

Based out of Whessoe Road in Darlington, Michael now helps give second-hand kit including boots, strips, shin pads and socks away to young players keen to get on the pitch.

Michael said: “When Harvey passed away, his brother Luke who is now nearly 19, had the idea of doing something in his name. We thought of doing a group or a charity to have his name out there.

The Northern Echo: Harvey with brother Luke.Harvey with brother Luke. (Image: HARVEY MCWILLIAMS FOUNDATION)

“We thought – let’s do something football related as that’s what Harvey loved. We remembered that when Harvey was a teenager, he would give his boots away to those less fortunate as he wanted them to be able to play football.

“He believed football was for everyone – not just for those who can afford it. We then thought, let’s continue that!”

For a year, Michael then spread the word and was met with an overwhelming amount of support and now has a huge amount of kit to give away – and all families are welcome to come along to get what they need.

The Northern Echo: Harvey with brother Luke.Harvey with brother Luke. (Image: HARVEY MCWILLIAMS FOUNDATION)

From early March, Michael has given away around 120 pairs of boots.

Michael added: “Since we’ve had the premises, it’s just taken off tremendously. We have signed memorabilia and Harvey’s old kit on the premises, and it has just been going well.

“But I don’t want it to be a place where people just come to get boots. I want people to come in and we can tell them Harvey’s story and show them it’s always okay to talk about mental health.

The Northern Echo: Michael at the charity base in Darlington with just some of the boots set to be given away to youngsters.Michael at the charity base in Darlington with just some of the boots set to be given away to youngsters. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

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“We have had so much great feedback of kids playing football in the boots we’ve given them with parents saying because of us they’ve been able to play. It really does help us with our grief.”

Going forward, Michael is hoping the foundation can continue to support young footballers from their Darlington base and keep not only Harvey’s name but also his spirit alive.

Michael said: “Harvey was always there for people – he was a very caring young lad. This foundation gives us so much comfort and it’s just fantastic that it’s growing.”