Walk to raise charity funds
LEE’S MARATHON MARCH WILL HELP SIR BOBBY’S FOUNDATION
Reporter NEWCASTLE United legend Alan Shearer has given his backing to nine brave fundraisers taking on a massive 333-mile charity walk for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Easter Monday has been designated Sir Bobby Robson Day as two of his former sides - Ipswich Town and Newcastle United - square off in the Championship.
About 2,000 Toon Army fans are expected to make the journey to Suffolk, but for nine supporters it will be all about the long journey home.
Nine walkers will be taking part in the Hike4Hopey walk on Tuesday from the statue of Sir Bobby at Portman Road in Ipswich to his statue at St James’ Park.
They will be walking in memory of Control Firefighter, Lee Hope - and Lee’s brother, Scott Hope, and his widow, Amy Richardson, are among the group undertaking the challenge.
Lee was father to Livia and a huge Newcastle United fan who was originally from the city.
He moved to Guernsey in 2010 but died from bowel cancer a year ago aged just 33.
Brother Scott, who also works with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, is from North Shields and said: “My brother was a massive Newcastle fan and loved Sir Bobby Robson.
“He even asked people for donations to the charity when he married Amy instead of wedding presents.
“Just before he died, he asked for any donations in his memory to go to the Foundation and I think he’d be amazed to know that amounted to more than £4,000.
“This has been such a difficult year for Amy and Livia.
“For all of our family and Lee’s friends, really. It’s felt important to do something positive and this has given us something to focus on.
“There have been all kinds of Hike4Hopey fundraising events and activities already, like bike rides and a family fun day, and we’re really proud to have raised over £10,000.
“This walk though, this will be very hard.
“We only have 12 days to complete it and that means walking around 28 miles every day.
“We’re receiving amazing support from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service as well as other Fire and Rescue Services throughout the country, and so many other generous people.
“Lee would be overwhelmed by the response to the challenge and he’d be extremely proud of the amount of money being raised in his name for such a fantastic and worthwhile charity.
“I wish he was around to see it for himself.”
Before the walkers set off for Suffolk, The Hike4Hopey Challenge received the backing of football legend and foundation patron Alan Shearer.
Alan said: “It was a great pleasure to meet with Scott and hear more about Hike4Hopey. I wish all the walkers the best of luck because that’s a very, very long walk.
“Scott talked to me about losing his brother to cancer last year. His family have been through an awful lot and it says a lot about them that they’re fundraising for the Foundation at this time.
To find out more and donate to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation through #Hike4Hopey, please visit www.justgiving.com/Hike4Hopey.