More than 70 young footballers, parents and coaches put their best foot forward for Tony Hopper.

The youngsters from Cotehill and Cumwhinton Crusaders Soccer School completed an 11-mile sponsored walk for the former Carlisle and Workington player.

They embarked on the challenge to raise funds to help Hopper following his diagnosis with motor neurone disease.

They took about four hours to walk from Walton, near Brampton, along the Hadrian's Wall route and eventually ending at United's Brunton Park ground.

Hopper's former Blues team-mate Paul Boertien, a coach at Crusaders who helped organise last Sunday's walk, said it had been a big success.

"Everyone really enjoyed it," he said. "The weather was kind and it went to plan.

"We had a lot of help with people who went round in cars and brought water, fruit and chocolate at various point along the way.

"The kids were brilliant. No-one moaned once. Even my five-year-old did it!

"Tony's wife, Sue, did the whole walk with us along with their eldest son Daniel, and Tony joined us with his other two boys just before Rickerby for the final part.

"He then spent the rest of the day with us in the bar, where we had pizza which was very kindly donated by Domino's, before a lot of us stayed for the Carlisle-Exeter game.

"Everyone wanted to do it for Tony. It was a great day for a great guy."

While sponsor money is still being collected, Boertien said a four-figure sum is likely to have been raised, which will go to the Hoppers to help with any equipment and house alterations they may need as his condition develops.

A host of ex-Carlisle and Workington Reds favourites are set to play in a major charity game in honour of Hopper at Brunton Park tomorrow.

The game, which kicks off at 2.30pm, will involve some of the most iconic names from the last 20 years of Cumbrian football.

It is hoped the occasion will raise much-needed funds for the Motor Neurone Disease association as well as three other charities.