WALKING FAITHFUL HELP OUT CHARITIES
A DAY before the vital Bank Holiday Monday game at Chesterfield, a group of ten Stockport County supporters set of on a walk from Edgeley Park to The Technique Stadium to raise awareness of several charities.
The walk was the idea of Damon Carroll, a veteran of ventures including a solo walk from Edgeley Park to Bradford Park Avenue and a bike ride from Stockport to Wembley. Initially intending to walk in memory of George Thompson, 18, a County supporter who took his own life in October last year, Carroll was approached by several others, including George’s dad Dave and his uncle Nick Goudy, all wanting to join in.
With a Just Giving page and sponsorship arranged it was agreed that the walk would fundraise for Stroke Information, Sands and Mentell.
Carroll is a patron of Stroke Information, a charity set up by fellow County supporter
Nick Clarke, who almost died after a stroke. Clarke said: “We are grateful to Damon and the other walkers for taking on the challenge as it’s so important to keep highlighting that there is help out there for anyone who needs it.”
Not to be outdone, the men were joined by Danielle Crowe and Nicole Cunningham, whose dad Steve is a founder of Stockport-based community group A.C.E. a project based around sport and activity, which has positively impacted the local community.
The 42-mile walk was completed before noon the next day with Dave Thompson, Nick Goudy, Dan Smith, Harry Wright and Damon’s son Kian walking the entire trek.
Carroll, who recently underwent knee surgery and who completed over half of the walk on crutches, said: “As someone who has been affected by mental issues, suffering the loss of a child and also being in the red category for having a stroke, these three charities are all very close to my heart.”
The walk raised over £3,000 by the end of the day, with the walkers rewarded on the pitch as County got the win to put them three points clear at the summit.