A Stoke City fan is set to take on his third 'stomp' across the country - this time taking on a gruelling 300 mile challenge - taking in landmarks that were key to his idol Lou Macari.

Paul Venables, 50, from Kidsgrove, will be trekking 300 miles from Celtic's stadium in Glasgow all the way to Stoke in aid of The Macari Foundation and The Davies Foundation.

It'll be footie-mad Paul's longest walk yet after previously completing a 258-mile walk from Stoke to Cornwall in 2021 and a 150-mile walk from Stoke to Watford in 2023. 

While the treks are a test of endurance themselves, they are even tougher for Paul, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which makes walking painful.

Setting off on June 29, he is planning to walk in the footsteps of Macari himself, from where he started his football career at Celtic, before heading to Old Trafford and then finishing at the Macari Centre on July 13. 

Paul, known as the Bearded Wanderer, told Stoke Nub News: "Lou started his career at Celtic. He then played for United, quite famously, and he's got his chippy just around the corner from it. 

"And then I thought let's finish at Stoke, because of the Victoria ground, which is not there anymore, but the Macari Centre is across the road. 

Paul after finishing his previous challenge from Stoke to Watford. (Supplied)

"There's a vast part of this where I'll be walking on my own, and it's obviously in your own head and all the rest of it, but I get to see the nice side of people. 

"I remember cars are pulled over to the side of the road to wish me well and donate in the previous walks. 

"Just to complicate matters, I'm a Zebra, in that I suffer from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. As my variant isn't too bad [Classical Ehlers Danlos], it's mainly unsightly lumps on my elbows and knees, 'stretchy skin' and quite relaxed joints.

"From a walking perspective, this can give me stiffness and inflammation in my ankles and Achilles so even without these stomps, some days walking full stop can be painful."

As well as donating to the charities through his Just Giving page, Paul is also asking for support during his latest stomp.

He added: "Please help me raise much-needed funds for these community-based charities, or could you help me along the way, somewhere between Glasgow and Stoke. I'm still looking to have one of my stopovers paid for and money for a kitty alongside the Just Giving page.

"Or perhaps, if you're feeling up for it, then feel free to join me for a little while."

Paul has set a target of £2,000.

To donate, help with the stomp or to get in touch with Paul, visit his Just Giving page here.

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