A 14-YEAR-OLD double amputee and his cousin are going the distance to help struggling Macclesfield Town FC.

Superfans George Blackshaw and Harry Irlam completed an 11-mile walk to Saturday's FA Cup game against Sheffield Wednesday to raise funds for the Silkmen.

The boys, set off from The Bird in the Hand pub in Mobberley and made it to the Moss Rose stadium in time for the match – with their efforts raising £1700 for the club.

Harry, also 14, of Newton Hall Lane in Mobberley, said: “The club has been in my heart since a young age. I enjoy going week in and week out and when I saw that the club was in financial trouble, I kept thinking of ways I could do my bit.

“We came up with the idea of a sponsored walk and thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to walk to Sheffield Wednesday game because we knew the turnout was going to be a big one and there would be more fans supporting the cause.”

The walk was extra challenging due to the fact that George is a double amputee. The Grange student, who lost an arm and a leg in a lawnmower accident aged 15 months, said it was the furthest he has ever walked.

Macclesfield Town FC assistant manager Efe Sodje was waiting at the finish line to greet the boys, who are both season ticket holders.

“The club has been absolutely fantastic about our walk, they have supported us every step of the way,” said George.

“When we entered the Hospitality Suite the reception was incredible. We couldn’t quite believe it and it just showed what a fantastic club it is.”

At half time, the boys were invited onto the pitch and received a large round of applause for their efforts. A bucket collection raised a further £500 during the game itself.

The boys are now thinking up their next fundraising event and hope their story will inspire other fans to take up the baton.

“We know how important it is to have such a fantastic club in the area and it would be devastating for everyone involved in the club - the players, management staff and fans – if there is no club,” George added.

“No-one wants that to happen and we hope other people now see how much trouble the club is in and chip some money in to make sure the club stays afloat.”