Northamptonshire football team is running over 700 miles to Munich as part of lockdown fundraiser

Sixfields Rangers Football Club are running a virtual relay race from their home ground in Pattishall all the way to Munich in a bid to raise money for Mind, the mental health charity.

Throughout February, starting on the first day of the month, the team of 25 are running just over a total of 700 miles which is being divided into sections for each player to complete.

Organiser Mark Wilcox said: "At the start of lockdown, the manager, Connor Leason, encouraged us to keep our fitness up and share our runs in the group chat to keep people motivated. After we achieved a great group running total in January, we decided to use our exercise for a great cause.

"As well as keeping us fit, it is also helping us have something to strive towards and keep on top of our own mental health. I'd recommend anyone take on running."

The 24-year-old said Mind was chosen due to the great work the charity does, especially since the pandemic began last year in March.

He said: "Over the last 12 months, we or someone we know may have been impacted by mental health given the conditions brought on by Covid-19. Mind is providing great support for many people, especially at this time. This fundraiser has been created to help the charity continue to do great work."

Mark regularly updates the team's JustGiving page with information on how they are getting on.

The latest message from day seven (February 7) reads: "At the end of our first week we have made it to 453km! A huge achievement for our first week, taking us into Belgium, and to the town of Tournai - I think we’ll stop for some drinks tonight! Thanks everyone for the support and donations so far, it’s greatly appreciated by me and the team."

So far, as of Monday (February 8), the squad has raised nearly £1,000 of their £2,500 target.

For more information and to donate to the cause, visit their JustGiving page.