Progress on IfUCareShare Mission135 football stadiums run

Matthew Smith, 29, who runs charity If U Care Share based in Chester-le-Street, is making swift progress on a football-themed expedition across the UK.

After starting in Bournemouth on August 3, he's been running between every Premier League stadium over 25 days - and will end at the North East's very own St James Park on August 30.

Matthew Smith at Crystal Palace Stadium Selhurst Park. (Image: ICUS)

So far, he has been welcomed in to stadiums across the country. Most recently, he was in Ipswich and is currently running to Leicester.

Taking a short break from running, Matthew told The Northern Echo it has been a "superb" journey so far.

"So far we are over 250 miles in but we still have at least 450 to go. It's such a great experience and I've had some amazing conversations.

Matthew Smith of If U Care Share at Craven Cottage Stadium, Fulham. (Image: ICUS)

"The clubs have been very welcoming and have given us a lot of support."

Pictures show Matthew inside his trusty van which is carrying all his kit as well as smiling with club bosses whilst spreading the core message of his run nicknamed Mission 135.

However, Matthew is still pushing to raise crucial funds to reach his goal as he now has fewer than ten clubs to stop off at.

Matthew Smith of If U Care Share at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea. (Image: ICUS)

He said: "We are still a long way away from what we want to achieve - I am trying to push that but I use a lot of energy when I'm running all day.

"We have been promoting the page and trying to get people to sponsor us."

Matthew's run began just days after uncertainty whether it would still be possible to go ahead.

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Matthew Smith of If U Care Share at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea. (Image: ICUS)

The team hit a barrier after sponsors who were supposed to help out with donations as well as covering costs have not come through.

In an emotional video posted on social media, Matthew said he had "nowhere to stay" during the run - and vital targets hadn't been reached.

"There were a couple of companies who said they would help but some of that just hasn't come to fruition," he said.