Blood, sweat, salutes and ice lollies: Walkers complete 120-mile trek

Leeds United's Elland Road ground was the finishing point for a group of weary supporters undertaking a brutal challenge for charity.

- by Graham Smyth

The Gary Speed Walk, organised by The Square Ball for the third year in four, attracted more than 70 Leeds fans and a Newcastle United supporter in an attempt to walk 120 miles and raise £50,000 for mental health charity Andy's Man Club.

The walkers set out from Newcastle United's St James' Park on Monday and arrived at Elland Road yesterday to a welcome reception laid on by Leeds United.

Those taking part covered between 26-28 miles a day as they made their way down through Scotch Corner, Thirsk and Harrogate. before stopping off at the home of a Whites supporter, Tinshill Social Club and the Gary Speed mural before the final destination in LS11.

Several of the walkers have given their accounts to the YEP this week as the journey has made its way towards Leeds, explaining why they are involved and just how hard it has been, as some of their number have had to drop out with injuries.