Two Watford cricket coaches are looking to use the extra day of this leap year to stump up a lump sum for a muscular dystrophy charity.

Ian Sampson and Gulfraz Riaz, both 40, will be walking from Watford Town Cricket Club, off Horseshoe Lane, to Lord’s Cricket Ground in St John’s Wood, London, to raise cash for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

The pair will be attempting the walk, of about 14 miles, while in full batting gear next Wednesday, February 29.

They were inspired to undertake the challenge after reading an appeal in the Watford Observer from young disabled footballer Stevie Pearson last month.

The 19-year-old from Watford, who suffers from the muscle-wasting condition, asked readers to make the extra day this year count by raising funds to fight muscular dystrophy.

Mr Sampson said: "Stevie was asking people to help raise money and we have coached him and his brothers. They are such a nice family.

"I decided to do it and then Gulfraz said: ‘I can’t let you do it by yourself, so I am coming with you’."

Mr Sampson, a telephone engineer, said he had not been using the lifts at work to help prepare for the walk. He added that he was a little apprehensive about doing the long walk in heavy batting kit.

"I imagine the box will rub," said Mr Sampson. "So that’s a bit of a worry."