Comedian raises thousands on stadium charity walk

A TV comedy writer and sports presenter who took on a three day walk for charity has described an "exceptionally friendly" reception.

Kevin Day covered more than 60 miles (96.5 km) visiting 13 London football stadiums during his walk, which finished on Thursday.

He has raised about £7,000 so far for mitochondrial disease charity the Lily Foundation, based in Tandridge.

Mr Day told BBC Radio Surrey earlier: "Today's the first day I feel a little bit proud of myself."

On the way he encountered comedian Alan Davies and Haydon the Womble, official mascot for AFC Wimbledon.

Mr Day said he would have preferred "the gloomy cold of autumn" rather than the sun that shone on him during his challenge.

"I wasn't crossing the Sahara desert, I wasn't doing 26 marathons in 26 days, but for a man my age it was quite a challenge," he said.

According to the Lily Foundation, every other day in the UK, a baby is born who may develop serious mitochondrial disease, also known as Mito.

It is a complex and difficult-to-diagnose genetic disorder that can affect any organ at any time.

The charity was founded in 2007 by Liz Curtis in memory of her daughter Lily, who died from mitochondrial disease at eight months.

Ms Curtis thanked Mr Day, who she called a "loyal and tireless supporter" of the charity, and all the football clubs that "warmly embraced" his challenge.

"Not only has he raised a huge amount of money for the charity but he’s succeeded in putting Mito on the map all over London and beyond," she said.

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