Inspired by the nation’s newest hero Captain Tom, the members of a Carlisle junior football team are “walking to Wembley" for north Cumbria’s hospice.

Players, coaches and family members of the Gillford Gillies under 8s football team will be completing a virtual walk from Carlisle’s Brunton Park ground to Wembley stadium throughout this month.

The 311-mile journey has been undertaken after the inspiring actions of Captain Tom Moore, the 100-year-old who has moved the nation with his fundraising garden walks.

The city junior football team will be completing their virtual odyssey to raise money for the Carlisle-based Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

The team’s manager, Darren Scaife, said: “We wanted to raise funds for both Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw as in this current situation we’re all going through everyone seems to be focusing their fundraising attention on our brilliant NHS.

“But I felt that the hospices and care homes, who are equally at risk, needed some help too.”

The hospice, which provides care for both adults and children in north Cumbria with life-limiting conditions, runs entirely on charitable donations.

Staff at the hospice are continuing to provide vital end-of-life care throughout the coronavirus lockdown, though fundraising opportunities for the charity are currently limited.

Darren said the virtual walk would be an enjoyable challenge for his young team and their “wonderfully supportive” parents.

“Seeing as though we’re all out walking, running or cycling for our daily exercise anyway, it gives our kids an added incentive to get outside and help those less fortunate than themselves,” he said.

To sponsor the team, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/darren-scaife.