KINDHEARTED trekkers plan to hand out strips and footballs to street children after they have completed their climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Middlesbrough FC legend and newly appointed Hartlepool United manager Colin Cooper will be among the 15-strong walkers who will visit the Amani Children’s Home in the town Moshi at the foot of the Tanzanian mountain.

The group, which also features Hartlepool-born Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling, leave the UK ready for their bid to conquer Africa’s highest mountain this Friday.

The group are taking on the Kilimanjaro challenge to raise funds for the Finlay Cooper Fund in aid of children’s causes, mainly on Teesside. The fund was named after the son Colin and his wife Julie lost in a choking accident shortly before his second birthday 11 years ago.

He said: “There’s much poverty in Tanzania so it was great news when the football club said they would like us to take something with us to give to the children’s home.”

Middlesbrough shirts will also be donated to the African porters who will accompany the fundraisers on their trek.

The group will fly out to Africa tomorrow (Friday, June 7) with the aim of reaching the summit on June 13.

To sponsor the Kilimanjaro trekkers and make a donation to the Finlay Cooper Fund visit virginmoneygiving.com/team/finlaycooperfund or to donate £5 text “coop15 £5” to 70070.

Any business interested in being main sponsor of the expedition should contact Graham Fordy on 07802-553553.