A group from a Darlington-based charity is set to continue their annual tradition of walking across the North East in an effort to raise funds and mental health awareness. 

Sunderland's Stadium of Light is the starting place for the team from Harvey McWilliams Foundation - which will be walking from the stadium all the way to Darlington's Blackwell Meadows on August 10.

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 McWilliams.Michael McWilliams. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

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.

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

This will be the third annual 'For Harvey' walk, starting bright and early at 7:30am for the 14 hour mammoth journey. 

Harvey McWilliams.Harvey McWilliams. (Image: HARVEY MCWILLIAMS FOUNDATION)

Harvey's dad Michael told The Northern Echo: "This will be our first walk under the charity name which is exciting. It's always been titled the For Harvey walk.

"These funds will help us continue our work in the community, so we are looking for sponsors, fundraisers and donations as this is our main event of the year.

"We are going to be walking through towns and cities, through Sunderland down to Durham, Chester le Street, Spennymoor and Shildon to Darlington.

"We'll be walking through streets and town centres, high streets too so that people can see us and the work we do. We're hoping for a good turnout."

The theme of the walk, appropriately, is football, so Michael is encouraging anyone who gets involved to wear either a football shirt or a bright colour. We're hoping for a good turnout.

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With the walk just weeks away, Michael says he is feeling "really excited" and hopeful about it all.

"It's going to be emotional - but I am looking forward to it. There will hopefully be a lot of conversations going on as we walk which is what we want."

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.