Bantams and Bolton staff raise more than £6k for Darby fund

Starting from Valley Parade and ending at Anfield, they completed 65 miles in three days and also took in Rochdale's Spotland ground and the University of Bolton Stadium.

The 'Distance for Darbs' walk was for the charity set up by former Bantams captain Stephen Darby, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last autumn, and his friend Chris Rimmer.

Darby joined City from his home-town club Liverpool, had a spell on loan at Rochdale and was with Bolton when he had to retire last September at the age of 29.

The 12-strong group, which included Tom Gadd, Tom Davidson, Ralph Rogers and Joe Bray representing the Bantams, had to cope with some unseasonally wet weather during much of the journey - but were rewarded by easily exceeding their £5,000 fundraising target.

City club photographer Tom Gadd tweeted afterwards: "The most physically demanding things I’ve ever done, but one of the most rewarding experiences and biggest achievements I’ve had so far."

Fellow walker Luke Gallagher, a former member of the Bantams media team now in a similar role at Bolton, said: "Walking 65 miles in three days was one of the toughest challenges that any of us have ever faced, but it was incredibly rewarding.

"When we reached Anfield, knowing that we'd achieved our goal and raised over £6,000 was an unbelievable feeling.

"The weather was against us for much of it, but we didn't let it dampen our spirits and the group stuck together and pulled each other along when the going got tough.

"It was a real test of our bodies, but we all kept going, with the thought of supporting Stephen, Chris Rimmer and others with Motor Neurone Disease always at the forefront of our minds.

"It feels amazing knowing that the money we have raised will go some way to helping all of them and it is a weekend we will never forget."

Donations can still be made at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/distance-for-darbs-fundraiser