A group of football fans will be joined by two ex professionals as they complete the 40 mile walk from Reading to Fulham ahead of the game between the two on New Year's Day.

The WalkandTalk MMH campaign aims to raise awareness of mental health issues facing men, by bringing supporters of different sides together to complete the walks. 

One Reading supporter involved in the campaign is Johnny Hunt, who told the Reading Chronicle why he thinks football can play a pivotal role in raising awareness of mental health issues in men.

"Football can have a massive impact in the world of mental health. Things are starting to change in the last few years with people starting to be more open about it and actually admitting it is happening rather than stick head in the sand.

"Since the sad deaths of top players like Gary Speed, Justin Fashanu and Robert Enke more current and ex players are openly speaking about their struggles with mental illness including ex Royals Paul Cannovile, Andy Mclaren and more recently Dave Kitson.

"People that we idolised made it more ok for us to be open with our own issues especially as men. Men dont talk, it is only as recently as in the last few years that i am comfortable enough in my own skin as a nurse to talk about my own issues openly.

"In a match day crowd of 20,000, 5,000 could be affected by a mental health issue. 84 men take their own life every week. These figures are frightening.

"The mental health charity MIND backing the EFL is a huge step in the right direction. The #Haveyourmatesback campaign this month where fans and players wore shirts back to front was a very successful campaign.

"However I feel that more can be done and this is what Walk and Talk Mens Mental Health is trying to achieve."

Johnny went on to talk about the growth of the campaign, and how he hopes to see it continue from strength to strength in the coming years. 

"On the first walk in April 2018 Martin Sims another loyal royal joined Lee Adams (Fulham Fan) and myself for jaunt to Craven Cottage. Then for last walk in October we had Royals fans Dan, Daniel, Joel, Shawn, Charlie, Sam, Paula and Fulham fan Matthew join us.

"It was amazing to see people of all ages want to get involved, our fans and the club itself have been so supportive. I think people can see the good in what we do and how we are trying to make a difference. 

"It has grown so much in the 5 years since he started, with walks involving other clubs in England and Scotland and over here in Ireland planned.

"It would be brilliant if we had every club in the country involved a representative of each as fans and even current or ex players. We have two ex professional players joining for this one would be great if a couple of ex Royals got involved.

"Football is a community we need to look after each other. Lee puts so much time and effort into this we are fundraising to become a charity that supports the fans directly.

"If by walking overnight at a time which can be very difficult for a lot of people, helps 1 person get the support they need then it is so worth it. Please join us, come and say hi along the way or follow us on social media."

If you would like to donate to the cause, you can do so by clicking here.