A FOOTBALL fan has been left "overwhelmed" with support after completing a three-day challenge in memory of his late brother. 

Earlier this month, we spoke to Neal Smith, before he was set to embark on a 60-mile trek from Denbigh to Old Trafford in memory of brother Chris, who sadly passed away in December aged 46.

36-year-old Neal, from St Asaph set himself the challenge of walking to Old Trafford as Chris was a huge Manchester United fan, but due to difficulties with mental health, never managed to visit the Theatre of Dreams. 

Neal set off from Denbigh on the morning of Friday, January 19, and reached Old Trafford on Sunday (January 21) afternoon. 

A JustGiving page was set up by Neal in support of MIND Charity, with an initial target set at £2,500. 

Rhyl Journal: L-R: Neal, Chris and Adam SmithL-R: Neal, Chris and Adam Smith (Image: UGC)

As it stands, the total is £5,310, with Neal hopeful of hitting the £6,000 mark with a number of donations still to collect. The funds raised are greatly appreciated by Neal, brother Adam and his parents Sandra and John. 

Over the three days Neal had to contend with strong winds and icy roads as he made the trip from North Wales to the North West, but admitted he would have walked in any weather to get the job done. 

He said: "Over the three days, the middle day was the easiest. Day one was hills and icy roads which increasingly tested me and Day three really showed me that I’m not the spring chicken I used to be.

"I had to rest a few times without planning to, it was a real test for my 36-year-old body but I would've walked in any weather to get there!"

Neal was inundated with messages of support over the weekend, ranging from friends and family close to home to as far as America. 

He added:  "The support I got before, throughout and after has been astonishing, I could go on for hours about it.

"It’s been incredible, and the messages that we as a family have received since I decided to do the walk has been nothing short of phenomenal. 

"There are no words that I could use to describe how much the support helped. From messages, phone calls, staying at my best friends house on the first night, my brother and sister-in-law meeting me on day two and cousins on day three.

"Determined to reach the finish line with Chris, I didn’t have too much time to look on my phone but when I did, the amount of support from people in Denbighshire, Wrexham, England and even the USA made me realise how much mental health effects everyone.

"I’m walking with my brother Chris, but we’re doing it for all the people out there who suffer, they all helped me to the end."