Chris Kirkland walked over 60 miles in the March of The Day walk for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation at the weekend.

And he did so while also playing in Liverpool Legends' 4-2 victory over Ajax on Saturday afternoon.

The former Liverpool goalkeeper sent out a personal message to those affected by Motor Neurone Disease.

READ MORE: Liverpool injured players to return for Brighton and Man Utd as Jurgen Klopp handed boost

READ MORE: Former Liverpool defender Larry Lloyd dies aged 75

“We all know it’s a devastating disease with no cure at the minute but you’re not alone. There were so many people at this walk, there were people that come along that had MND and couldn’t do the walk that just wanted to be around the atmosphere, wanted to get a boost," he told the ECHO.

"I spoke to quite a few of them and you’re not alone so just keep fighting, just take one day at a time, know that you’re not alone, know that people are trying to things just to raise funds to hopefully one day find that cure.”

The Darby Rimmer MND foundation was founded by former Liverpool and Bradford player Stephen Darby and British Forces veteran Chris Rimmer, who both have MND.

Organised by Mike Wilson, The March of The Day was a 175 mile walk from Bradford to Liverpool to raise money for the foundation and raised over £150,000.

Kirkland and Wilson first met when he took part in a walk for the Hillsborough Survivor Support Alliance in 2022.

As one of 16 ex-professional footballers taking part in the walk, Kirkland started in Bradford at 8am before travelling to the AXA Training Centre to prepare for the Liverpool Legends match the following day.

And Kirkland, who made 45 appearances for Liverpool, winning the Champions League with the club in 2005, admitted it was an emotional occasion to play at Anfield in front of is family.

“It’s something I never thought I’d get the chance to do again, running out at Anfield. My daughter, last time I played at Anfield she was three years old, but she’s 17 now so for her to see me run out at Anfield - we go to the games every week together, so it was really emotional, really special to be involved again.”

While the others players headed for the hotel after the game, Kirkland travelled to Burnley to rejoin the walkers.

After completing 30 miles before the Legends match, he travelled to Burnley and went on to walk the last 60 miles in one continuous stretch.

Having not slept since 7am on the Saturday morning before the game, Kirkland completed the March of The Day walk 36 hours later - but he would do it all again.

“I’d do it every day again for the cause it is and the amount of money it's raised and the people along the way, people stopping all through the night, people stopping cars donating," he said.

"The reception we got at certain checkpoints along the way, was just incredible to be part of and then to see Stephen and obviously Steph, Marcus and his wife Louise and then all the other MND community at various checkpoints and obviously everyone walking to Anfield and the families at the front and walking down to the stadium.

"I’d do it all again anytime and we’re just planning the next one for next year now, I think it’s gonna be finishing at Ipswich next March, which is obviously Marcus’ team.”

Marcus Stewart, formerly of Ipswich and Sunderland, is another ex-pro suffering with MND.

The connection with both Darby and Stewart was a motivating factor for Kirkland to take part and recognised the mental health benefits of completing the challenge.

He has been open about his struggles with mental health and addiction since his retirement in 2016 and has used them to help his own personal battle.

he said: “I had to retire through mental health and addiction so doing these charity walks, particularly walking, I love it.

"It is all linked, people suffering with certain things will suffer mentally as well and vice versa, their families will be seeing their loved ones going through things, it takes its toll. It helps me mentally as well knowing I’m going to be doing these challenges.

"If you’re feeling down a few days before, knowing that you’re going to be doing something and being with other people and exercising and talking and doing things for a great cause. It certainly helps. It’s right up my street and anything to raise money for these amazing charities I’m more than willing to do.”