Former Darlington manager Martin Gray is set to lead a 33-mile walk between two North East hospitals in a bid to raise funds for children in hospital this Christmas. 

The former midfielder will be taking staff and coaches from his business Future Pathways on a walk from Sunderland Royal Hospital to Darlington Memorial Hospital in a special fundraiser.

The walk, which takes place just two days before Christmas, is expected to take around 10 hours and will raise vital funds for an overbed gaming station for patients in the children's ward. 

Future Pathways - which uses sport, activity, and enrichment to re-engage disengaged students in the region - will also then provide Christmas presents to children who will be staying on the wards in the two hospitals over the festive period.

Martin GrayMartin Gray (Image: Chris Booth)

Any remaining proceeds will support the homelessness via the food banks.

Sedgefield-born Martin, who played 130 games for Sunderland and Darlington, will be attempting the long route after undergoing two knee replacement operations in the last year - the aftermath of a long playing and coaching career.

“I won’t ever be jogging again, but I can walk quickly,” joked Martin, who also played for Fulham and Oxford United in his 11-year playing career.

“I know I am going to struggle over the long distance, but I’ve been walking three or four miles a day and training alongside staff to complete this challenge.

“We just want to try and help people and make a difference; whether they are in hospital and unable to go home for Christmas or forced to sleep on the streets at this time of year.

“I was lucky enough to spend seven years at Sunderland, and play for them, and to play for and manage Darlington, and they were both wonderful times in my life.

“It’s nice to be able to give something back to two places that mean so much to me and have had a huge impact on my life and my family’s, and hopefully we can help make a difference this Christmas."

Martin, founder of Future Pathways, described how the firm supports both school and colleges in both areas now, working closely with local authorities. 

He continued: “I think we’re all looking forward to it, it’s going to be a long but enjoyable day, although I think we’re looking forward to handing out a few Christmas presents to the kids even more!”

The funds raised will go to Sunderland Royal Hospital in through its STS Charity and this week some of the walking volunteers met staff at its Children’s Wards.

Laura Hayden-Duck, matron for paediatric and child health at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are delighted Future Pathways has chosen to support the NHS through this fundraising walk and start it here from Sunderland Royal Hospital.

"The money they raise to support our STS Charity will be warmly welcomed and help us make a hospital stay or visit for lots of children a brighter one.

"We do our very best to make any time with us fun and comfortable as they are treated and recover and know the extra support we receive for activities makes all the difference."

Gillian Curry, head of communications and charity at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are very grateful to Martin Gray and the Future Pathways team for their incredible dedication in organising this meaningful walk to support our charity.

"We are honoured that the journey will conclude at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

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“The time of year can be challenging for many children and families spending the festive period in the hospital, so thoughtful gifts can help brighten their stay and bring a little Christmas cheer. 

Future Pathways encourages disengaged students to realign with education through sport, enrichment and activities, working with teachers, social workers and care workers to come up with bespoke programmes of intervention and support.

You can donate to the GoFundMe here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/future-pathways-staff-walk-from-sun-to-dar