175, trek 19 miles in aid of Keep it Up!
175 Huddersfield Town fans – including the Club’s Chairman Dean Hoyle and Commercial Director Sean Jarvis – took part in the latest ‘Keep It Up’ campaign challenge on Saturday; ‘Walk for Pounds 3’, a sponsored 19 mile walk from Leeds Bradford Airport to the John Smith’s Stadium!
The walk, which was sponsored by Stotts Coach Travel, raised funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Town Academy, with each £1 donated being split 50p for each cause.
Chairman Dean Hoyle, who was joined on the walk by his wife Janet, commented “It went really well, the weather was on our side and everybody was in good spirits.
“The highlight of any of the walks or cycle rides is those who take part getting the recognition when they get back to the Stadium.
“Lots of Town fans appreciate the work they are doing for the Academy, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the ‘Keep It Up’ campaign”.
Walkers registered at Canalside at 5.30am, then travelled onto YAA’s airbase at LBA on coaches kindly provided by Stotts coaches, with entrants finally setting off walking at 7.15am.
The route took them through Bradford, with the first feed stop at Odsal Fire Station. Flapjacks provided by Total Foodservice and Exquisite Cakes were handed out to hungry participants, as well as bottled water from Club partners Ice Valley.
The first walkers were back at Canalside at noon, with all 175 arriving before 2pm. Volunteers from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance were on hand to distribute ‘I completed the Walk’ t-shirts sponsored by Orchard Environmental, and Club Ambassador Andy Booth and Academy Manager Mark Lillis were also there to congratulate the tired walkers!
After a rousing speech from Commercial Director Sean Jarvis, the walkers travelled en mass on Leeds Road into the Stadium for their lap of honour at 2.40pm.
A special mention also has to be given to Alan Boothroyd and David Elliot who impressively ran there and back – a total of 38 miles – all in aid of the campaign!
The walkers received plenty of support, with mentions on The Pulse, Radio Leeds and on twitter:
“Just shook hands with some of the walkers at Canalside, so proud of them all #respect” - @marklillis7
“Good luck to everyone this morning walking from LBA to the game… fantastic effort and commitment much appreciated by all of us #UTT” - @carsy8
“On my way home from work and just seen your fans on their walk in Bradford. Great charity to support! Well done those people!” - @piercedsy
So far, £975,000 has been raised for the ‘Keep It Up’ campaign, with a target of hitting £1 million.
You can still sponsor the walkers- just text KIUP99 £5 to 70070 or visit www.justgiving.com/keepitupcampaign.
