FRIENDS of a Flintshire man who died an 18-month battle with motor neurone disease are walking 90 miles in his memory.
Gavin Fox, from Hawarden, died with motor neurone disease (MND) last July. He was just 36.
And in his memory, Gavin's friends plan to do the trek from Elland Road stadium - home of his beloved Leeds United FC, to Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham - a place close to their hearts.
Nightingale House Hospice provided palliative care for Gavin, known as 'Foxy' and his friends Chris Henderson, Martin Moran, Ian Dorman, Nick Patel, Jason Perry, Danny Hughes, Simon Martin, Nicky Jones and Michael Hughes will take on the trek to raise £5,000 for the hospice in his memory.
Nick Patel, Ian Dorman, Michael Hughes, Martin Moran and Chris Henderson.
Chris, who is organising the 'Marching on for Foxy' fundraiser, said: “Gavin was a massive football fan. He played for Hawarden Rangers and was a huge Leeds fan - so we thought of no better place to start our challenge than at their home ground, Elland Road.
“We wanted to raise money for the hospice as a thank you for the excellent care they gave Gav and show how grateful we are for everything they did for him during his illness.”
Chris says they also want to help raise awareness of motor neurone disease - which has been spotlighted by rugby league player Rob Burrow's ongoing fight with the disease, and footballer Stephen Darby's MND battle.
He said: "The worst thing about this awful disease is how it can affect absolutely anyone, and that it progresses so quickly.
"Gavin went from being a really sporty, active person, to completely bed bound within a year of his diagnoses. He was my best friend and I miss him everyday."
Gavin Fox, Chris Henderson, Nick Jones, Ian Dorman, Martin Moran and Nick Patel.
In May of 2019, Gavin's friends and family organised a charity festival at Rhydymwyn Football Club - raising thousands for the MND Association charity.
The group aims to do the walk over four days - Elland Road to Saddleworth, Oldham (24 miles), Saddleworth to the outskirts of Altrincham (22 miles), Altrincham to Mickle Trafford (26.2 miles) and from Mickle Trafford to the hospice (14 miles). They will start on Thursday May 2, and finish on Sunday May 23.
Bethan Scott, Nightingale House Hospice's challenge events coordinator, said: “We are truly humbled by the incredible challenge that Chris and friends are taking on for the hospice in memory of their friend Gavin.
"Thank you so much, gentlemen, we look forward to following you every step of the way.”
Those who would like to support the fundraiser can do so on the following link, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marchingonforfoxy
Gavin Fox.
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