In 2011, the football world was devastated by Gary Speed’s death by suicide, aged only 42. Gary’s tragic passing opened up the conversation around male mental health and challenged the outdated taboo that blokes should suffer quietly and simply ‘man up’.

In 2021, on the 10th anniversary of Gary’s death, the team at the Leeds United fanzine and podcast, The Square Ball, started planning a fundraising event to raise money for mental health charities. The first Gary Speed Walk would be a symbolic 92 miles and would take place the following year, in 2022, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Leeds United’s title win in 1992.

In May 2022, over 100 football fans proudly walked the 92 miles from Gary Speed’s first playing field in North Wales, back to Elland Road, the home of his first club, Leeds United. Gary’s mum, Carol, saw us off at the start line.

In 2023, we decided to do it again! This time, an even greater number walked another 92 miles from Goodison Park, the home of Everton - Gary’s former club supported as a boy - back to Elland Road, the home of Leeds United.

After a year of resting our toes in 2024, the walk returns for 2025. Between 9-13th June, over 70 football fans will walk from the home of another of Gary Speed’s clubs, St James’s Park in Newcastle upon Tyne, back to Elland Road, Leeds.

Andy’s Man Club is a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free to attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. They want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation. You can read more about AMC on their website, here.

To date, the first two walks have raised over £150,000 for mental health charities, including Andy’s Man Club and the Samaritans.

Places on the walk are strictly limited and demand for them is always high. The 2025 walk is full, so we can’t accept any more registrations. For countless reasons, including safeguarding and insurance purposes, you must be registered to be part of the walk. We cannot be held responsible for anybody who is not part of the registered group.

Support is welcome along the route, but if you choose to do so it is entirely at your own risk. Please ensure you spectate safely and if you’re in a vehicle, please park safely and considerately.