Four teenage football fans have visited 92 professional clubs during their half term break to raise money for charity.
The football-mad Sixth Form students, including Westholme students Ben Middleton, 18, Jake Sharrocks, 17, and Finlay Shepherd, 17, along with their London friend Cornelius McGrath, 17, wanted to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
In just six days, the boys have raised over £10,800 – smashing their target of £500. They have travelled more than 3,000 miles and spent over 90 hours in their car before finishing their ‘Travelling the 92’ road trip at Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground.
Manchester United fan Ben, from Chorley, who is Head Boy at Westholme – a leading independent school in Lancashire, said they’ve been planning the trip for months.
He said: “We all really missed football during the pandemic. We found it hard not having the football to look forward to each week and seeing our teams play. For a lot of people across the country the lack of fixtures affected their mental health.
“CALM seemed like the perfect charity to raise money for. You follow your clubs through thick and thin, up and down the country – so we decided to do just that for the charity.”
Jake, from Colne, said: “I think I speak for all of the lads when I say there was an overwhelming feeling of pride upon finishing the drive. Having raised the sum that we did, made the tough week feel very much worth it.
“Supporting such a good cause like CALM, there’s a real sense of pride when you know you’re doing something that could potentially impact so many people’s lives.”
The journey started at Blackburn Rovers’ ground and at each location they have had their photograph taken with their banner.
At some clubs, the teenagers were allowed into the stadium for a tour and to have their photo taken on the pitch.
Finlay, from Preston, said: “The opportunities we were given throughout the trip were phenomenal and I'm so thankful to every club and every person who has helped us along the way. We have been able to raise money for those who really need it.”
Westholme Principal Dr Robson added: “I feel immense pride in the commitment the boys have shown in their dedication to this project. Their efforts fully reflect the ethos of Westholme, to develop and nurture the essential 21st century skills needed to succeed, such as communication, confidence, leadership, independence, teamwork and problem solving.
“To have raised over £10,000 for charity is no mean feat and it is a true reflection of their dedication and commitment to the cause. Well done, boys.”
If you would like to donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/travellingthe92