A Walk For Estelle

As I'm sure a lot of you know by now I'm involved with this.

Unfortunately due to a serious knee injury I received around 12 years ago that required surgery I've been advised by doctors not to take part in the walk, which I know is contrary to some erroneous reports that were put out in the media. It's not for want of trying, I took part in the first training walk with the guys and they set a ferocious pace, I stayed with them to the end but after a well earned pint of cider in the Marquis of Granby, I discovered my knee had swollen really badly and struggled to walk for the next couple of days. Anyway instead of walking the trip, I've decided that I'll be supporting the guys on my bike, carrying essential items to lighten their load and also topping up their supplies of food and water etc. This doesn't mean I'm taking the task at hand any less seriously than anyone else though, I'm in training 3 times a week and those that know who I am, top right on the photo above, will know that I'm of shall we say a more robust stature. In the few weeks training so far I've lost 7.5kg and intend to lose a lot more before we go.

Anyway, less about me. This cause has spiralled from a few mates wanting to walk the canal to raise a few quid and have a laugh whilst we at it in to something rather larger. The efforts of ourselves including some fantastic support work from the likes of Rach, and Wendy Holder has seen us raise I believe around £3,000 so far and things are in place that will help us raise much more. The Launch Night should be well worth coming down to, we've an auction taking place with some cracking items that have been kindly donated including a signed match worn shirt from Lee Briers, who is an ambassador for the Rett Syndrome Research Trust Uk.

I'm lucky enough to know Estelle and her great family, despite Estelle being 11 years old but having a mental age of around 18 months you never hear the family complain about it, they go about life with a smile on their face, it really is so inspiring to see. A few weeks ago I was round their place watching the Warrington vs Br*dford cup game over a few beers and when Warrington scored a breakaway try Estelle started laughing and grinning at the tv screen, that's got to be worth a couple of quid from every Keighlian by itself!

There's plenty of ways you can donate to this cause if you wish, I know times are hard for everyone at the moment so any donation will be very gratefully received, even if it's some spare loose change lying around or just the equivalent of a pint of ale.

The website www.awalkforestelle.co.uk will take you to a page that's been set up on the justgiving website if you do decide to donate through this page and are a UK taxpayer please remember to gift aid your donation, the charity get an extra 25% on top from the government. I've used the site myself for donating to other projects. It's simple, quick, easy and secure. You can even leave messages of support if you wish.

I believe there are sponsor forms behind the Hall of Fame Bar at Cougar Park feel free to ask the barstaff for one to fill in.

They'll be a bucket collection at the home game against Halifax.

If you're more interested in what we're doing feel free to join our Facebook group "A Walk For Estelle" or follow our newly set up twitter feed @Awalkforestelle. Where you'll find various updates on how we're training, the latest total raised, new stuff we have to sell at the launch night and where to look out for us in the media.

Thanks

Michael Scott