Big Leeds United names to complete Mount Snowdon stair climb challenge for charity

Among those taking part are ex-players Simon Grayson, Ian Harte and Danny Mills, LUTV's Bryn Law and Kaiser Chief Simon Rix.

It's all to support the fundraising efforts of dad-of-three Martin Hywood, who raises cash for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

The Leeds United family are regular supporters of Martin, who, along with his family, has raised more than £160,000 for research into the condition which now means he has to use a wheelchair to get around.

Supported by The Square Ball, Martin has already smashed his £1,000 target ahead of Sunday's (April 26) challenge.

The Square Ball team joked on the Just Giving page: "For the past six years Martin Hywood has been making our lives miserable with one ridiculous challenge after another.

"Safely locked down, we thought we were free to sit in the garden eating crisps and drinking beer - sadly, it wasn’t to be.

"With the majority of their fundraising events cancelled, Muscular Dystrophy UK needs your money more than ever so it can continue to support people with muscle-wasting conditions."

Martin, 46, of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, had planned a comedy night featuring big names like Jon Richardson and Russell Kane to raise cash, but this had to be cancelled due to coronavirus.

Martin said: "We put our heads together to see what we could do instead and I'd heard about this challenge of walking 4,610 steps to the top of Snowdon, and everyone said 'why not do something crazy like that'."

More than 30 people across the UK are now taking part in the challenge, which will see the average person go up and down their stairs 355 times.

Martin has said he will "lead from the front" and do as many as he can.

"My wife tried 50 the other day and was giving me evils," he joked.

One of Martin’s standout achievements saw him climbing Mount Snowdon for real with a group of 40 family, friends and Leeds fans over the course of nine gruelling hours in 2017.

The aim is for everyone to finish Sunday's challenge by 4pm, when Jon Richardson and Russell Howard will live stream a gig in support.

Martin said he was "massively thankful" for the ongoing support of the Leeds community.

"Muscular Dystrophy UK are facing a £2.5m funding gap this year due to events being cancelled, so that has been a bit of a call to arms in getting people to support me," he added.

"The Leeds fans deserve a lot of credit, but that's just what Leeds do."

Martin's positive, can-do attitude is reflected in his view on Leeds and the coronavirus pandemic.

"I am massively positive," he said. "You look at the way the club saw the signs of the pandemic and took action in January, before our own government.

"It gives you an idea of the management and the people running the club compared to a few years ago.

"I have every faith we are going to get promoted."

Click here to donate the fundraiser.

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