A City of Liverpool supporter is embarking upon a 120-mile hike to raise money for a mental health charity set up in memory of his brother.

Adam Thornley, taking on the challenge alongside fellow Purps fan Chris Davies, is determined to play his part in ‘stopping another family going through what we went through’ following the death of his brother, Lee, aged 17 in February 2018.

The pair are trekking across Snowdonia Way for The Lee Cooper Foundation, established in the wake of Lee’s passing to act as a bridge between young people and the often lengthy waiting lists for mental health services.

“It’s been set up as somewhere young people can go to without getting a referral,” Thornley said.

“It’s somewhere they can go to talk if they need to. There’s no pressure but it’s a place people can go to feel a part of something and hopefully turn their lives around if they are feeling down.

“Lee was a really genuine, loving, caring kid. He had time for everyone, he was happy go lucky, and I’ll never quite understand what happened.

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Lee Thornley

“He was really intelligent, a straight-A college student, and he could have walked into any University he wanted. He was such a bubbly young man and had time for everyone.

“If the money we raise helps a couple of sessions go on that can stop another family going through what we went through and take that pain away from an individual, that’s all that matters. That’s all the motivation I need to push on and get that done.”

The pair have set aside 10 days to complete the challenge, which began on May 27, but hope to reach the finish line after around seven.

“We’re both keen hikers and we had a bit of preparation by doing 30 miles a couple of weeks ago, but nothing on this level,” Davies added.

“We felt this was a fitting way to fundraise as studies have shown getting outdoors does help with mental health and taking your mind off everyday life. Everyone needs that from time to time.”

Another of the pair’s shared passions is City of Liverpool, who Thornley has followed since 2016 – the second year of their existence.

They now play in the Pitching In sponsored Northern Premier League Division One West and the Purps community have been pulling together to raise awareness of the challenge the long-time friends are taking on.

“We’re both Liverpool fans and still follow them but getting to a game has become really difficult unless you’ve got a big bank balance or know someone with season tickets,” Thornley said.

“I have a six-year-old step-son and a two-year-old son and looking forward, you’re not really going to get them to regular games without going down the non-league route.

“You can take your family down without it costing the earth and have a laugh with the lads.”

Get behind Adam and Chris by donating to The Lee Cooper Foundation here.

Ladbrokes, with the support of its owner Entain, has launched a multi-million-pound investment programme, Pitching In, designed to support and promote grassroots sports. For more details see: https://entaingroup.com/sustainability/pitching-in/