A BIG Wrexham fan is set to take on a grueling challenge in memory of his late brother.
Neal Smith, from St Asaph, will walk almost 60 miles from Denbigh to Old Trafford next Friday to raise money for MIND charity.
A JustGiving page was set up, with Neal just over £30 short of his £2,500 target ahead of next week's challenge.
Neal set himself the challenge following the desperately sad death of his brother Chris in December.
Chris, who was 46 years old when he sadly passed away was described as a "hero and inspiration" by Neal and his brother Adam.
Neal added: "Chris was the kindest, most generous and honest person. Always caring for others throughout the struggles of his own day to day life.
"If you knew Chris, you will need no explanation to the kindness and giving nature that he possessed.
"He was the greatest brother, son, nephew, cousin you could ever wish for and a dear friend to so many people - people he cherished for the whole of his life."
Neal, who alongside brother Adam has supported Wrexham for the past 20 years and regularly visits the SToK Cae Ras, said Chris was a massive Manchester United fan.
As well as his love for Wrexham, Neal also supports the club by selecting a number of songs from local bands for each home game.
Despite Neal and Adam's best efforts to get him to support Wrexham, Chris remained a United fanatic and never missed a game on TV.
Due to issues faced by Chris, he never managed to visit Old Trafford, and following the funeral, it sparked an idea from Neal to finally take Chris to the 'Theatre of Dreams'.
"Chris' death came as a hell of a shock and it's been a really tough time for us as a family.
"I thought the only way I was going to get through it was to do a massive walking challenge. We've done similar challenges before following previous deaths, like the three peaks.
"MIND was the only choice of charity, then I decided I'd walk from where Chris lived in Denbigh, to Old Trafford.
"I'm also taking his ashes with me, and have had the ok from someone at Manchester United, who is set to meet me there and let me into the ground to get a picture of Chris there.
"Following the challenge, we will then spread his ashes in St Asaph as a family."
Chris's family would like to further thank everyone who was already donated to the page.
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