A group of ex-footballers are to visit Goodison Park later this month after joining forces on a three-day tour of football grounds in aid of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

The 175-mile ‘March of the Day' walk, in support of former professionals Stephen Darby and Marcus Stewart, both of whom are now battling Motor Neurone Disease, culminates on Merseyside on Sunday, 24 March with visits to both Goodison and Anfield.

En route, up to 40 ex-pros – including Peter Reid, former Everton scout Jamie Hoyland and ex-Everton Women’s midfielder and Lioness, Jill Scott – will form part of the group that collectively take in 17 stadiums, beginning at Bradford City on Thursday, 22 March.

Others taking part include John McGinlay, Chris Kirkland, Stuart Barlow, Neil Mellor, Tim Breacker, Paul Scholes, Colin Hendry, Dominic Matteo, David May, Paul Dickov, Mick McCarthy, Nicky Butt, Jay Spearing and Lionesses Steph Houghton and Chloe Kelly.

Mike Wilson, a Patron of the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, named after founding members Stephen Darby and Chris Rimmer, said: “Though Stephen came through the ranks at Liverpool, his family includes many Evertonians, one of whom, Kevin, Stephen’s brother, is part of our core team.

“In recent years, we have watched how Kevin Sinfield, Rob Burrow and Doddie Weir have brought the rugby world together. We are determined to establish this as the football equivalent.”

Everton fans can follow the three-day walk at @darbyrimmermnd and donations to the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation can be made HERE.