Walk of Hope for St Ann’s
Supporters James Hoskison and Andrew Wilding along with 30 other walkers took on a 12-mile challenge in aid of St Ann's.
Salford Red Devils fans James Hoskison and Andrew Wilding kept a charity promise even though they could not watch their favourite team. The pair were among 30 fundraisers in a Walk of Hope from Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium to the Halliwell Jones Stadium, home of Warrington Wolves.
In total, the group raised more than £1,500 with proceeds shared between St Ann’s Hospice and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Andrew, from Walkden, lost his father Frank almost a year ago. Frank had been under the care of our Little Hulton team for the past 13 years. James also lost his father to cancer in 2018.
The walk was planned for April when Salford was due to play at Warrington before Covid-19 curtailed the season. When games did start again, supporters could not attend so the walk was arranged on a non-match day, with St Benedicts Social Club providing refreshments.
James, from Reddish, said:
St Ann's did a lot for Andrew's father when he was ill and we wanted to thank them for their care and support over a long period of time. The walk was over 12 miles and more would have taken part had it been on the original date. It's frustrating not watching Salford play since mid-March but we're glad to have raised funds for two deserving cause James Hoskinson, Supporter
The group also wanted to raise funds for MND as a show of support for former Leeds player Rob Burrow who has the disease.
Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann’s, said:
Huge thanks to James, Andrew and all of the walkers who took part, we really appreciate all of your amazing efforts for our patients. It’s been really hard fundraising at the moment, as many of our events and other activities have had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, which means that it’s increasingly difficult to raise the money we need to carry on providing services. The fantastic amount this group have raised really will help us to support patients and their loved ones, so thank you again for everything you’ve done for the hospice. Rachel McMillan, Chief executive
To donate to St Ann’s visit justgiving.com/fundraising/james-hoskison2.