Nine Newcastle lads run distance of St James' Park to Wembley for NHS Charities Together

Nine Newcastle lads have taken on the challenge of running the distance between St James' Park and Wembley in a bid to raise cash for the NHS.

The group, which include great nephews of the late Freddy Shepherd and Alan Shearer's son, Will, pounded the pavements of their local areas to cover the 279-miles between the two stadiums.

Calling themselves the "Geordie Mobots", the Toon fans, who all went to Newcastle School For Boys, each ran seven miles a day over five days, except the youngest Zac, 10, and his older brother Jake, who ran 3.5 miles.

Sir Mo Farah's message of support for Geordie Mobots

And they were spurred on by Olympic Champion, Sir Mo Farah, who sent them a video message to show his support.

They completed the challenge on Friday night and, in doing so, have so far raised more than £5,000 for NHS Charities Together, having initially set a target of just £1,000.

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Zac Shepherd Edmondson, 10, who came up with the idea, said it was a way of saying thanks to the NHS for their outstanding work.

He said: "I'm really enjoying homeschooling but, instead of wishing to shave my head for the NHS, I decided, with some of my school friends, brothers and cousins, to start the idea of running the distance from St James' Park to Wembley for the NHS.

"We've raised a lot, so far, and we're maybe looking to do our next challenge, if we are of school much longer, to run from St James' Park to the Nou Camp, in Barcelona.

"I want the thank my teachers and headmaster at my school, Newcastle School for Boys, for all their support and encouragement and everyone who has donated to the Geordie Mobots and, of course, to Sir Mo himself."

In a video message of support, Mo Farah told the lads: "Good luck to Geordie Mobots, St James' Park to Wembley Satdium, 279 miles, wow, whey aye man.

"Shearer and Shepherd boys, keep on running for NHS, much love, I'm with you all the way, lets go, boys."

The group, all between the ages of 10 and 19, were Craig Watson, Zac Thompson, Will Shearer, Zac Shepherd Edmondson, Charlie Shepherd, Jake Shepherd-Mclean, Jamie MacDonald, Robbie Burke and Patrick Cooper.

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