Lifelong Charlton fan David Hollingsworth will undertake a 65-mile charity walk from Northampton to Cheltenham in aid of Gordon Moody this March.
The walking enthusiast and charity worker said: “Idly scrolling through the Charlton fixture list a while back, I noticed we had consecutive away games in March at Northampton Town and Cheltenham Town.
“I wondered how far apart the two places were and after a look on Google Maps, I decided that at about 65 miles it would be possible to walk from one to the other between the matches.
“Roping in two non-Charlton supporting pals to join me, we’ll set off as soon as the full-time whistle blows at Sixfields, hopefully with three points secured to put an extra spring in our step.
“Our plan is to walk the seven miles to Towcester on Saturday evening, where we’ll stay overnight before walking 18 miles to Banbury on the Sunday. On Monday morning we’ll walk to Moreton-in-Marsh, a 19-mile route. Tuesday, the day of the Cheltenham game, is a leisurely 20 miles to the Completely-Suzuki Stadium.
“What began as simply a fun way to catch up with friends in the fresh air and following Charlton away has also become a fundraising and awareness raising event. I’ve spent the best part of 20 years working to help people overcome severe gambling harms at a charity called Gordon Moody, which offers residential rehabilitation to men and women across the UK. Gordon Moody was established in south-east London back in 1971 and has grown steadily to meet the needs of what has become an ever-increasing issue in this country.
“I usually walk to and from our home games at The Valley, a round trip of 15 miles. Walking really boosts my own mental wellbeing and we promote it as an activity for our clients at Gordon Moody when they’re in treatment. Conversations often seem less daunting when they take place whilst walking side by side with someone.”