Team’s ground tour in tribute to Owen
HARDY volunteers are hoping to keep a spring in their step as they walk to 28 football grounds to raise money in memory of a much-loved community figure.
Friends and family of the late Owen Breen, a councillor from Heaton Mersey, will visit 16 ground in the north of England - including Old Trafford and the Etihad on a non-stop 80-mile hike.
It will be done in relay from March 24 to 26 and finish at the family home of his widow Trish and their three children.
The previous weekend they travel to Glasgow, where Owen was from originally, for a similar event that takes in Celtic Park, home of his beloved team Celtic.
Owen died aged just 45 after suffering a stroke and a pulmonary embolism.
It is hoped £10,000 can be raised for the Stroke Association.
Mike Wilson, 51, who became friends with Owen and Trish 30 years ago when they started work at CIS together, is the chief organiser.
He said: “With it being the 30th anniversary of when we met we thought we should do something.
“He was a great family man and a really nice bloke who would always put himself out for others. He loved football and was a massive Celtic fan so would love this. It’s for a good cause and a tribute to Owen.”
Around 60 people will take part including Trish, 49, daughter Maria, 22, and sons Owen, 20, and Joe, 18. They will alternate who actually walks, swapping personnel every five miles.
Some walking will take part through the night including a leg over Saddleworth Moor from Huddersfield to Oldham.
The group hopes to be allowed on the pitches to take photos and have secured access at Anfield, where the north of England walk will begin.
Stockport County’s Edgeley Park will be the final ground visited and other clubs over the two weekends include Everton, Rochdale, Halifax, Glasgow Rangers and St Mirren.
As well as being a councillor for the Heatons South ward, Owen was a school governor at St Winifred’s primary, where Trish teaches.
She said: “It is really moving for me and important to do this.
“It was a massive shock when Owen died and what got me through was the support of family and friends.
“I don’t want people to forget Owen and the impact he had on people’s lives.”
To donate, visit redwoodevents.co.uk.