Friends' charity walk in memory of pal Matthew

A group of friends will take on a charity walk in memory of their pal who took his own life.

- By DAVID HUNTLEY

Harry McCabe and Harry Harding with Matthew Barton, right

Newcastle United fan Matthew Barton died before Christmas at the age of 24.

Now Matthew's good friend, Harry McCabe, 20, has organised a charity walk in his memory. Harry has linked up with friends at Stockton City, a charity football team, along with players from Gateshead Rugby Club and Checkmate, a men’s mental health hub in Durham, to embark on the walk on February 15.

The group will walk from Robin Hood's Bay to Whitby and back, alongside other friends, family, and any members of the public who want to go along to support them.

As well as raising money, they will also be raising awareness of Checkmate, so that other men who need support and someone to talk to know where to get help.

Harry is also teaming up with his cousin Jack and their friend Harry Harding to ensure Matthew's life is remembered in a positive way.

He said: “We never imagined we would be writing something like this, but tragically our community has lost a young life to suicide.