Football mad boys take on 239-mile Slyne to Wembley 'walk' to help others

Twelve boys in care are demonstrating how much they care about others by linking a modest football pitch in Slyne with the splendour of Wembley Stadium.
Member of staff Matthew Peel with son Theo.Member of staff Matthew Peel with son Theo.
Member of staff Matthew Peel with son Theo.

The football mad youngsters are aiming to walk the equivalent of 239 miles - the distance between the two soccer venues - in the hope of raising at least £1,500.

During the coronavirus the boys - none of whom are pictured here - are able to keep in touch with their families through various devices, including iPads and tablets, but realised that not everyone was as fortunate.

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So, with the help of staff, they identified three establishments where patients and residents, young and elderly, might benefit from being able to connect with loved ones - St John's Hospice, the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and the Sands Nursing Home in Morecambe.

Member of staff Kris Stride and son Enzo.Member of staff Kris Stride and son Enzo.
Member of staff Kris Stride and son Enzo.

The boys, aged from eight to 17, live in three homes, in Slyne, Bolton-le-Sands and Heysham, which are run by Bay View Childcare. The soccer pitch closest to the Slyne home was selected as the start point.

Supported by staff, who have also accepted the Wembley challenge, the boys clock up the mileage during a series of walks, with an initial goal of £250 which was quickly overhauled.

Having set up a just giving page, the boys have since set their sights higher, to £1,500, and possibly even beyond. Some of the youngsters are also keen on European football and intend to continue their "walk" to the likes of Paris and Barcelona!

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Chris Thompson, registered manager at the home in Slyne, said: "I think what the boys are doing is brilliant. They realise they are lucky in that they are able to contact their families at a time like this. But they know not everyone is in that position and they took the initiative to help not just youngsters but older people as well.

Member of staff Coral Proud and daughter Nellie.Member of staff Coral Proud and daughter Nellie.
Member of staff Coral Proud and daughter Nellie.

"I think they also want to show they are part of the community themselves and would like to give a little back. There can be a lot of stigma attached to young people in the care system which is unfair, because all too often they have not had a chance. By doing this they hope to help erase some of the stigma while investing in the local community."

Donations can be made online here