Houghton & her ex-footballer husband in wheelchair raise money for Disease

Former England captain Steph Houghton was joined by a host of footballing royalty as she pushed her husband Stephen Darby in a wheelchair to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease, which ended his career.

The 178-mile trek to Anfield, which was led by former Liverpool player Darby and former Bristol City forward Marcus Stewart - who both suffer from the illness - helped raise £130,000 for the cause.

The three-day 'March of the Day' walk started at Bradford City's Valley Parade stadium on Friday, where Darby spent five years of his career, before ending at Anfield, the home of Liverpool, on Sunday.

Houghton was joined by a number of her former Lionesses team-mates on the walk, with Jill Scott and current England star Chloe Kelly showing their support on the day.

Former England men's stars Jamie Redknapp and Paul Scholes also joined the walk as they braved the wind and rain for the cause.

Houghton told the BBC of her gratitude of everyone who turned out and helped raise money in their bid to find a cure for MND.

'Sometimes you think "oh why us" and "why is it only happening to people like us" but at the same time, we're really fortunate to have a good support network,' Houghton said.

'But many families don't have that when this illness comes to them. That's the idea of the foundation to support as many people as we can.

'To know how much money we have raised already so far before this event but know how many people have really put themselves out to help and help us find a cure. That's ultimately the goal that this is a disease that is under-funded and we want to raise as much money as we can to help people all over the country.'

Manchester United legend Scholes added: 'What little support we can give is important to everyone.'