Sixty two lads from Darlington walked 60km through Storm Bert to raise money for men's mental health.
The Darlo Lads smashed their target of £10k on their fifth year of 'Darlo Lads Walk and Talk".
The event raised vital funds for ManHealth, a North East charity dedicated to providing support groups for men across the region.
The 60km trek took the lads from Langdon Beck at 1am to Darlington, where they finished their journey at 4pm.
Organiser Joe Crees, who set up the annual event in 2020 after suffering with his own mental health, said things were brought closer to home this year, with several people set to take part on Saturday recently experiencing sudden losses.
He told The Northern Echo earlier this week: “We’re doing it to raise funds for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. For the last four years, we’ve raised money for Movemeber.
“This year we are doing it for ManHealth, which has groups in Darlington, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland, and Spennymoor. I’ve personally been to those groups, and they’ve helped me.”
A post from the group on social media after the walk said: "Well, the epic Darlo Lads Walk and Talk is complete.
"62 brave souls walking 60KMs for Men’s Mental Health. The weather was horrendous.
"Everyone was cold, wet and exhausted but the majority arrived in Darlington after walking from Langdon Beck at 1am to Darlington finished at 4pm.
"These lads are warriors the support and encouragement they gave to one another made us proud.
"These men are amazing role models. They are caring, and passionate and have steel in their bones. What a team. We salute you all.
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"They also absolutely smashed their target. There is still time to donate."
You can donate to the Darlo Lads Walk and Talk here: https://manhealth.enthuse.com/pf/darlolads-walktalk.
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org for more information.
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