From Rothwell to Desborough: Mason's sock-footed fundraiser brings in bucketloads of cash

A Desborough football coach dressed as Santa and wearing a mankini has braved blisters to take on a shoe-less ten-mile walk and run for charity.

Mason Kerly set out from his home in Desborough in just socks and a mix of fancy dress outfits to raise money for the Faraway Children's Charity supporting the Northants Telegraph's annual gift appeal

The 20-year-old, a coach at FC Aztecs Football Club, had already handed over 20 hampers of goodies to 'Mother Christmas' Jeanette Walsh to be given to families living in poverty across the county.

Running with fellow coach JJ, the two took two hours and forty-three minutes to cover ten miles finishing at FC Aztecs Rothwell ground.

Mason, currently working as a forklift truck driver said: "It was very painful. I didn't wear shoes until the next day when I started my shift at 6am the next morning. I thought I would let the air get to them.

"I always support charities that help children. I did some research and wanted to support Jeanette and the Faraway Children's Charity because it's going to be given to children in the county."

No stranger to supporting charities, Mason holds an annual event to support charities. He has hiked up Snowdon, dyed his hair pink and waxed his legs.

Mason was greeted at the finishing line by the socially-distanced parents and children at Aztec FC's Montsaye Academy training ground who have been supporting his fundraising.

The pair collected £72.80 en route with £25 in one and two pence pieces and raised £809 in total.

This year Mason has also been supported by his employer Bunzl and Emerald House Associates who provided hampers

He added: "I genuinely can’t thank everyone enough for the support.

"We’ve just got to work out how we are going beat this and out do ourselves next year."

Click here to support Mason's fundraising page.