Sean and Steven are back for this year's Race for a Reason challenge, proudly representing Quilter Cheviot and raising funds for Alfie's Squad. Returning after finishing joint 5th in last year's event (or was it joint 4th place?) the pair are hoping that experience counts for something this time around. After navigating the country by train, taxi, foot and an alarming number of bicycles, they now know exactly what Race for a Reason can throw at them... although they've learned never to underestimate the importance of a good map, comfortable footwear, or keeping hold of a driving licence.

Their motivation remains deeply personal. Sean's cousin Alfie founded Alfie's Squad after losing his dad to suicide and struggling to find support from others who understood what he was experiencing. The charity now provides vital peer support for children and young people affected by suicide bereavement. Steven has also seen the impact that suicide can have on families and communities through his work supporting mental health and homelessness initiatives in grassroots football. Together, they are committed to helping raise awareness of the charity's work and ensuring more families can access the support they need.

As for this year's race strategy, the duo are keeping their plans closely guarded. Rumours suggest they have come up with plan E and have been studying other potential modes of transport, brushing up on their negotiating skills and considering whether padded tracksuit bottoms should become mandatory race equipment in anticipation of another bike-heavy challenge. With the Evertonian and the Liverpool supporter once again putting football rivalries aside, the goal is simple: raise as much money as possible for Alfie's Squad, improve on last year's top five finish and, with a bit of luck, make it all the way to the finish line without having to sprint through quite so many railway stations.