AN Oxford United fan took on a gruelling challenge in memory of his childhood hero, Joey Beauchamp.

Joe Nicholls completed 11 7km runs in a fortnight to raise funds for the U’s legend’s trust fund and mental health charity Oxfordshire Mind.

Beauchamp battled depression and anxiety before his death in February, aged 50, which prompted an outpouring of grief for one of United’s greatest players.

READ MORE: Joey Beauchamp inquest hears Oxford United legend struggled with depression

Lifelong U’s supporter Nicholls has had his own mental health struggles and, with the backing of fans’ group the Oxford Fanatics, embarked on the challenge in honour of the ex-winger – even enlisting the help of club legends Paul Moody and James Constable along the way.

“It was definitely easier in my mind,” the 42-year-old said.

“I started running in lockdown, I did a 7km last year and struggled.

“I’m not much of a runner and I don’t enjoy it, which made it a real challenge.

“I wanted to achieve something for his family and people in Oxfordshire, so hopefully it gets some support.”

The numbers 7 and 11 were a nod to two of the shirts Beauchamp wore during his 428 U’s appearances, where he regularly showed his jaw-dropping quality.

Nicholls’ first United game was on New Year’s Day, 1990, a matter of weeks after the academy product’s debut, and news of his hero’s death hit hard.

“He was an Oxford lad and standing on the London Road watching him was a privilege,” he said.

“I was aware of Joey’s issues over the years, but when I heard the news I didn’t quite believe it.

“When I found out it was true I was in utter shock and despair for him and his family.

“It was tragic and the whole Oxford United community came together in grief.”

READ MORE: New Oxford Stadium sports bar to be named after Joey Beauchamp

The Didcot resident’s own mental health struggles meant Beauchamp’s death was particularly difficult to deal with.

“There have been a couple of occasions it felt pretty dark,” he said.

“It made me feel angry that people are in that position and don’t feel like there’s a way out.

“It brings back memories and it’s a very lonely and dark place when you’re that low. You think the world will be a better place without you.

“I’m very fortunate to have a lot of good people around me and I wanted to do something like this to avoid people feeling this way.”

Nicholls was joined by Beauchamp’s family for one leg of the challenge, running alongside the ex-winger’s brother, Mark, while Moody and Constable joined in on consecutive days.

“It shows the brilliant people we’ve had at Oxford United, that’s what makes the club so special,” he said.

“The Beauchamp family got in touch and I asked if they’d see me off on the last kilometre.

“We sat and had a beer afterwards and shared some memories. It was great for it to all come together.”

Nicholls finished with the Blenheim Palace 7km on Sunday, where sons Jack, 11, and five-year-old George joined him on the shorter run.

The U’s fan has raised more than £1,700, with £3,500 the target, and ex-striker Constable hailed his efforts.

He said: “As soon as I heard it was for Joey and for Oxfordshire Mind it was an easy decision. I was desperate to get involved in any way I could.

“We had a laugh, talking about Oxford and how important Joey was.

“You just wish he knew how the fans felt about him.

“The day after I was in bits, so for Joe to do so many back-to-back is crazy.”

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