Two football fans are preparing to pull on their walking boots to hike 42 miles for a cause close to their hearts.

Gills supporters James Cruttwell and Tom Jasper are to trek from their club’s home ground Priestfield to Wembley Stadium.

The pals are raising funds and awareness for Sands, a charity that supports bereaved parents who have experienced the loss of a baby.

They chose Sands because it has helped their friend, Nick Gutteridge and his partner Sarah, whose son Oscar was stillborn at 29 weeks in July 2015.

Nick plays football for Sands United Kent, a team in which all the players are united by the loss of a child.

James, in a post on a JustGiving page set up for the walk, said: “In Nick and Sarah’s case it’s the football team Nick plays for, Sands Utd Kent, that has helped them get through their stages of grief.

“Without this outlet and avenue of support we are not sure where Nick would be today.

“Baby loss is still a very taboo subject and we hope that by dedicating this walk to Nick, Sarah and Oscar that we will be doing our bit to break the stigma and to raise awareness of a tragic subject.”

Tom said the challenge would also be for all Nick’s Sands United teammates and anyone who has ever lost a baby before, during or after birth.

James, from Gravesend, and Tom, who lives in Rainham, will be taking on the challenge on Monday, November 6.

They expect it will take them about 15 hours.

To support their efforts, click here.

For more on Sands and the work it does click here.

The friends say they hope to raise as much money and awareness as possible.