BOLTON Wanderers staff showed their support for a former playing by tackling a massive challenge.

A 12-strong group of representatives from the Whites and the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust joined staff from Bradford City in a 65-mile trek to raise a massive sum for Stephen Darby.

The ex-left back announced his retirement last year after being diagnosed with motor-neurone disease but is determined to raise money to support sufferers of the condition.

Wanderers staff got behind his plans by collecting more than £6,000 in sponsorship for their walk which began at Bradford’s Valley Parade home on Friday morning.

From there, the group hiked west across the Pennines towards Rochdale, ending first day of walking at Spotland stadium having completed the first 26 miles of their journey.

On Saturday, with the elements against them, they trekked a further 17 miles through Bury, with that leg of the journey culminating at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Finally on Sunday, they fought their way through sodden conditions once again to add the final 22 miles to their tally and end their fundraising challenge at Anfield, the iconic home of Liverpool FC.

Speaking after the walk, Luke Gallagher, media and communications officer at Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, said it was “one of the toughest challenges that any of us have ever faced” but called the experience “incredibly rewarding”.

“When we reached Anfield, knowing that we’d achieved our goal and raised over £6,000 was an unbelievable feeling,” he said.

“The weather was against us for much of it, but we didn’t let it dampen our spirits and the group stuck together and pulled each other along when the going got tough.”

The money from the ‘Distance For Darbs challenge’ will go to the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, set up by Darby and Chris Rimmer.

The charity is set to be officially launched in the near future.

Donations are still being accepted.

Those who wish to contribute are asked to visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/distance-for-darbs-fundraiser.