A FOOTBALLING hero will step out on a 190-mile sponsored walk for a children's heart charity, despite having a heart condition himself.

Goalkeeper Tony Norman spent seven seasons with Sunderland and played at Wembley in the club's 1992 FA Cup final defeat by Liverpool.

The keeper, who won international caps playing for Wales, hung up his gloves in August 1997 and began a new career as a bobby on the beat with Durham Police.

But he has had to retire from the force after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a condition when the heart becomes enlarged.

Norman, 47, who is on medication for his condition, plans to walk the Coast to Coast route from St Bees, in Cumbria, to Robin Hood Bay, in North Yorkshire, to raise money for the Children's Heart Federation, a national charity that helps young sufferers of heart problems and their families.

He will set off on Sunday and will spend 17 days tackling the route.

"The Children's Heart Federation is a good cause. It is a national charity, but I want to raise money for its work in the North-East,'' he said.

"In your sporting life, you push yourself and you need a challenge. I can't imagine life without a challenge. This is a good cause and it is one I want to support.

"I got to 45 before being diagnosed with my problem. There are young children who are already quite ill and are being helped.''

Anyone who would like to sponsor Norman is asked to write to: Tony Norman Coast to Coast, c/o Carol Davidson, PO Box 142, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH4 7WS.