Speedo Mick will be sitting with REDS at the derby after ECHO ticket appeal

True Blue Speedo Mick WILL be able to take a break from his 1,000 mile charity walk and attend Sunday’s derby – but will be sitting behind Jurgen Klopp with the Reds’ fans.

He told the ECHO: “I have got a derby ticket, thanks to someone who works for Liverpool FC, and I’m very grateful.

"I’ll be 20 rows behind Jurgen Klopp. He’s a friendly bloke, so maybe he’ll come over – he might put a tenner in my knickers!”

The ECHO had appealed for someone to help out the fantastic fundraiser – real name Mick Cullen – to enable him to be at Anfield for the Liverpool-Everton FA Cup Third Round tie, where he should be sure of receiving a hero’s welcome.

Speedo Mick has been making his way through Scotland (PA)

He is currently en route from John O’Groats to Land’s End and, although he isn’t expected to complete his walk until late January, has already smashed his initial £50,000 target and is on the way to his new £100,000 target (more than £63,000 raised at the time of writing).

Mick, 55, from Dovecot, is setting up a charity, Leave The Light On (leavethelighton.org.uk), which will run community projects for people, young and old, who feel isolated.

Regarding the big match, Mick added: “If we win, it will be glorious – maybe I’ll run on the pitch like Klopp did that time! – but they are on fire.

“I don’t want Liverpool FC to win a raffle, but I can’t stand all the hatred that goes around the derbies – there are far more important things in life.”

Speedo Mick has made plenty of friends on his trip (PA)

Although he doesn’t know how far from Liverpool he will be by Sunday – he is currently in Cumbria – Speedo Mick has arranged for his son, Daniel, to pick him up, and later drive him back to the same location so he can restart his walk from there.

On passing his initial £50,000 target, Mick said: “It’s unbelievable – it’s been skyrocketing. It keeps me boosted – I look at the donation page in the morning ( www.gofundme.com/f/speedomick-1000-ml-charity-walk ) and it fills my heart with joy – and warms me up!”

But how are Mick’s feet bearing up?

He said: “My shin splints are hurting, my knees are hurting, my back is hurting and my hips are hurting – but my feet are fine!”