Hebburn Involve FC members cycling length of the country over a week as they fundraise for Armed Forces and local charity with 590-mile challenge

The four lads at Humber Bridge during the challenge

Members of a community football club in Hebburn are cycling the length of England from Berwick to Dover over a week as they look to raise money for two charities close to their heart.

Four members of Hebburn Involve FC, all of whom are ex-armed forces, set off on the 590 mile challenge on Sunday to raise money for local South Shields charity Cancer Connections and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity

Taking part in the challenge is Hebburn Involve chairman Brian Stewart, Event’s Lead, Jamie Davison and first team players Colin McClean and Daniel Wilkinson.

Starting on Sunday, May 16, the four set off from Berwick and are cycling down the East coast to Devon, stopping off at various towns along the way and finishing on Saturday, May 22.

The four lads setting off from Berwick to begin the challenge

The group are aiming to cover 80-95 miles per day over the week but are supporting each other every step of the way.

Hebburn Involve F.C Chairman, Brian Stewart said: “By the end of the week all of our lads would have endured 590 miles of grit and determination! This isn’t an easy task, this isn’t a relay, each and everyone of our boys are doing the entire 590 mile together, spurring each other on every push of the peddle!”

The idea for the challenge came about during the first lockdown when members of the club knew they wanted to find a way that they could help to support charities with a fundraiser.

As all four men are ex-armed forces, the SSAFA Armed Forces Charity is one close to their heart and was chosen so they could support the country's veterans and the work SSAFA do providing lifelong support to our forces and their families.

Local charity Cancer Connections, based in South Shields, was also chosen for the fundraising challenge for the work they do, providing support for those affected by cancer around South Tyneside.

During the final leg of their journey, the four lads will be cycling dressed as superheroes to pay tribute to armed forces heroes across the country.

Donations for the fundraising challenge can be made towards Cancer Connections via this link and for the SAAFA Armed Forces Charity via this link.

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.