A PAIR of deaf men who took on the John O'Groats to Land’s End trek have successfully raised more than £51,300 for charity.

Daniel Dorney, a bricklayer from York and his friend Mark Hodgson, a sign language teacher from Nottingham, decided to take on the 874 mile challenge in aid of a mental health charity and a counselling service.

Mr Dorney and Mr Hodgson, were also helped by Chris Potts, also from York, who ensured the pair made their extreme fundraising mission without problem.

The pair had originally hoped to raise around £10,000 for Sign Health - a national deaf mental health charity and Deaf4Deaf - a specialist counselling service, but managed to raise five times their target.

Fundraising as ‘2 Deaf Foot’ the pair said: “Well Mark wanted to do something different, he set himself a personal challenge and wanted to do something for the Deaf Community.

“There’s been a lot of talk about mental health issues and people not being being able to access mental health services because of cuts.

“Mark decided he wanted to do that walk with Daniel.

“They set off without a plan, but it grew massively.”

On Wednesday, June 5, the men set off on what is regarded as one of the country’s most gruelling treks.

Usually conquered by cyclists, the mission from John O'Groats in the Scottish Highlands to Land’s End in Cornwall, took the men 58 days to walk.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

People following their mission on social media turned out to show support

In this time, they men gathered an abundance of support on social media, with hundreds of people turning out to meet them at various stops along the way.

Mr Dorney and Mr Hodgson said: “We just want to say a massive thank you for all of your donations, sponsorship, everything, for all of your support. You’ve touched our heart and always will do forever. Thank you.”

2 Deaf Foot arrived at Land’s End on Sunday, August 4, with donations continuing to flood in.

At time of publication more than £51,300 had been raised on JustGiving – to donate to the cause click here.