YOUNGSTERS and coaches at Winsford Diamonds have embarked on a marathon challenge to help raise vital funds for Mid Cheshire Foodbank.

Boys and girls football teams from under-7s to under-13s all took part in a challenge to either run, walk or cycle a marathon in 10 days.

Altogether, they completed an impressive 3,345 miles, and have so far raised more than £1,500 – triple their original target.

And they were thanked for their efforts by Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, who sent the club a video praising their 'absolutely fantastic' achievement.

Jon Roberts, chairman of Winsford Diamonds, said: "We are trying to be quite proactive during these testing times. We are just trying to keep the kids entertained, fit and healthy.

Northwich Guardian:

Esme and Thomas Entwistle, whose dad Stephen is vice-chairman of Winsford Diamonds and had the idea for the marathon challenge

"They absolutely loved it. It has got them away from their Xbox or their Playstation.

"It has also been nice for them to know we are thinking about them and that they can do something together."

It is not the only way the Diamonds have kept in touch in the pandemic – having previously sent cards of appreciation to the NHS, done the Clap for Carers and each sung a line from Tina Turner's Simply the Best to show their appreciation for NHS and key workers.

The club already has close ties with Mid Cheshire Foodbank, having done a Christmas toy appeal to raise funds for it last year, and their latest efforts come as the Guardian continues its Feed our Foodbank campaign – shining a light on the tireless work done by foodbanks in our area during the current crisis.

Northwich Guardian:

"We are constantly trying to give them as much support as we can throughout the year," said Jon.

"I have walked past a few of the foodbank trollies in supermarkets and they are empty.

"I understand why, a lot of people are furloughed and they are trying to manage their finances, so that is one of the reasons why we have done it."

All the activities have been a welcome distraction for the youngsters, who had a promising season ended abruptly as the pandemic took hold, but Jon believes the Diamonds have a promising future.

"We are probably one of the biggest clubs in the area with quite a few teams," he added.

"But we don't know, until the FA give us the guidelines, we have not got a clue.

"We can't train, we have got teams that were in cup finals and unfortunately they couldn't play them, other teams could have been promoted but those seasons are null and void.

"That is why we are trying to do things like this to take their minds off what could have been and to do something meaningful."

To sponsor the Diamonds' marathon challenge visit justgiving.com/fundraising/diamonds-foodbank