Former City and England star Steve Howey has thanked the groundswell of support from the public after successfully completing the gruelling Coast to Coast hike in aid of charity.

Alongside several other former professional footballers and a number of other volunteers and high-profile figures, Howey – who spent three years at City between 2000 and 2003- embarked on the five-day trek which covered a significant chunk of England’s picturesque but challenging Coast to Coast route.

Walking under the acronym of WATCH (Walking and Talking Charity Hikes), the group – which also featured former England goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, fellow former shot-stopper Mark Crossley, Dean Windass, Nigel Jemson and Jon Parkin - were walking in aid of the NHS and mental health charities.

And despite broiling temperatures not to mention some of the most challenging terrain in England, the group successfully completed the 91-mile mission from Carlisle to South Shields on Sunday – and have passed through the £30,000 barrier with more donations still coming in.

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Reflecting on a challenging but memorable five days, Howey said it was an experience none of the former players would ever forget, adding that the public’s support – both financial and emotional – had made all the sacrifices worthwhile.

“It has been a long way, it’s been emotional, and it has been difficult, but we have done it,” the former central defender declared at the finish.

“All the boys showed massive strength, and - for me - everyone involved has been a hero.

“And I want to thank them for making this such an amazing journey.

“The support we have had all along the way has been absolutely fantastic too.

“The money we have raised – especially in the past couple of days – has been immense.

“I’ve been blown away and I’m emotionally drained – I’m certainly physically drained – but it has been so good.

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“We’d just like to thank everyone for their amazing support.”

Anyone wishing to still donate can access the Just Giving page here, while anyone interested in finding out more about the ongoing WATCH project can follow Steve’s regular updates on his Twitter page @stevehowey624 and message him there.

The WATCH project’s website can be found at https://www.walkingsbrilliant.com/