A group of lifelong friends will walk 20 miles from Southport to Liverpool to raise vital funds for a devoted father-of-three who is battling stage 4 cancer.
The Walk for Leon will take place on Sunday 2 August in support of 35-year-old Leon, who has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
Leon is a devoted dad to three young boys, aged 10, four and two.
Specialist treatment is offering the family hope but is not currently available to Leon through the NHS, prompting his friends to come together and raise as much money as possible to help him access the care he needs.
The walk will begin at Southport FC’s Haig Avenue ground before travelling through Ormskirk, Maghull and Aintree.
Those taking part will also pass Goodison Park and Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium before being welcomed inside Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium at the end of the route.
The nine friends organising and completing the walk have known Leon for more than 20 years. Paul Mills one of the organisers said:
“Leon has always been there for his friends and family, and now it is our turn to be there for him. We know that walking 20 miles will be challenging, but it is nothing compared with what Leon and his family are facing every day.
“The response so far has been overwhelming. People who know Leon personally, as well as complete strangers who have heard his story, have donated, shared our posts and offered their support.
“Whether the donation was large or small, every single contribution has made a genuine difference and has shown Leon and his family that they are not facing this fight alone. We cannot thank our sponsors enough along with the football clubs. Their generosity has helped us promote the event, raise awareness of Leon’s story and ensure that more of the money raised can go towards helping Leon access treatment.”
“We’re so grateful, but we still need one final push. We’re now just over £1,000 short of our fundraising target for the walk. If you’re able to donate, we’d be incredibly thankful. If you can’t, simply sharing our GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/1d0c94f8a ) on social media could help us reach more people. Every pound raised brings Leon one step closer to the treatment he desperately needs.”
Finishing at Everton’s waterfront home will be particularly meaningful for Leon, his family and the walkers, as he is a lifelong Evertonian.
Organisers said the support received from Everton and Liverpool demonstrated how football can bring people and communities together, regardless of club colours, when someone needs help.
People can follow the group’s progress through the Walk for Leon Facebook page, where messages of support, likes and shares are being encouraged to help raise awareness of the fundraiser.
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