FOUR friends from Chester have now reached the half way point of their gruelling 800-mile bike ride to visit all 20 Premier League football stadiums in aid of two charities close to their hearts.

Football fans Sean Sweetman, Adam Stening, Russ Dean and Daniel Davies, who are all from Blacon, began their epic challenge on Saturday, May 15 following a seven-month training programme.

They have cycled through torrential rain, hailstones and heavy winds but remain on track to complete the challenge on the final day of the Premier League season.

Back in October last year, we reported how the lads were aiming to raise £5,000 to be split between the Stroke Association and the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

At this point they are just£350 off their target.

Chester FC fan Sean lost his dad Peter to a stroke in July last year, while Adam – who is an Everton supporter – has also lost his nan and auntie to strokes.

All four men are also keen to support CALM having seen close friends and their families affected by suicide. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives – 75% of which are male.

The group, who are being backed by three friends – Chris Young, Ian Tyrrell and Luke Owen – travelling in a support van, started their journey at Newcastle United's St James' Park.

Since then they have called at Leeds United, Burnley, Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United, Manchester City and Sheffield United, with Leicester City next in their sights.

The last ground on their tour will be the Emirates Stadium – the home of Sean's dad's favourite football team, Arsenal.

In the latest update on their Saving Males Through Miles Facebook page, it said: "We're half way to Leicester from Sheffield and half way through the challenge of a lifetime!

"The sun's out, we've been laughing, singing and pushing each other.

"We were on Dee106.3 at 12:20 and will be every day so tune in!

"We're on £4,650 on our fundraising page - thank you all. If we can hit £5,000 today, that would be the dream!

"Keep CALM & Cycle On."

  • For more information on the raffle and how to make a donation click here.