Yellows fans given heroes welcome after 40-mile ultra walk

Fans turned into heroes at Warrington Town on Saturday as those who completed a 40-mile fundraising walk were given a lap of honour around the pitch.

The irony was not lost as the group of 35 were presented to the fans ahead of kick-off before the 2-1 win against Bishop’s Stortford, barely 90 minutes since they had completed their gruelling overnight trek.

Setting off from Cantilever Park on Friday night at 10pm, the group of Yellows fans walked through the night to Altrincham and back, then on to Spike Island and back, and then a walk around the town centre and back to the ground.

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More than £8,000 has been raised by the ultra walk, for which the walkers were awake for 36 hours and did 90,000 steps, in aid of the club’s current ground development work.

All the walkers were applauded on to the pitch and presented with an individual token of thanks before the game, which the Yellows came from behind to win 2-1.

Jason Laybourne, co-ordinator of the walk, said: “No words can describe how good the last couple of days have been. People pushed themselves to the limits and way beyond in some cases.

“Everyone who was involved should feel so incredibly proud.  I’m so very proud of you all, and I feel privileged to be able to call them all mates.

“Special mention to the support drivers. Their organisation and support throughout was simply outstanding.  It was so great to see everyone supporting each other throughout the whole event.”

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The walkers included Warrington Town club director Richard Sutton, secretary Chris Lemaire and numerous other volunteers and sponsors.

Manager Mark Beesley also joined the final stretch of the walk ahead of his pre-match preparations.

The walk even captured the attention of the press in Norway, thanks to long-distance Yellows fan Gunnar Hogset’s commitment in flying over to participate.

You can still donate to the walkers’ GoFundMe page here.

Photo credit: Sean Walsh

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