Two men from Northern Ireland are preparing to walk from Manchester to Glasgow to raise money for mental health charities.

Odhran Madden, from Portglenone, County Antrim, and Seamus Groogan, from Maghera, County Londonderry, both aged 24, will set off from Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium on 8 June. They aim to reach Celtic Park on 16 June, covering between 13 and 31 miles each day over nine days.

The pair have been training for months, each walking more than 100 miles a month in preparation. They described the challenge as a test of physical and mental endurance.

Money raised will be divided between S.T.E.P.S and Beacon Counselling Trust, two organisations that provide mental health support and suicide prevention services. Donations can be made through a GoFundMe page set up by the walkers.

Madden said that the names of people who lost their lives to suicide will be printed on their walking tops and carried for every mile of the journey. Groogan added that the walk is intended to start conversations about mental health and remember those who have died.

The men, lifelong football supporters, said the sport offers an escape and a sense of belonging. They thanked everyone who has already supported the fundraising effort.