By Peter Hampshire
Nearly 500 people have already pledged over £8,000 in support of the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) in memory of Ashley Salkeld, who died aged just 25 last year.
Good Hecky words to @WestStandBogs fundraisers 'If they pass a few pubs not sure too many will get to Derby. Chose route wisely #barnsleyfc
— leon wobschall (@LeonWobYP) March 2, 2017
The Barnsley-based West Stand Bogs fanzine organised the event aiming to raise awareness that 76% of UK suicides are male. In a former mining community famed for its hardiness and resilience, participants hope to demonstrate that it is good to talk about mental health.
CHARITY WALK: The walkers are nearly four hours/10 miles into their journey to @dcfcofficial. Please donate here: https://t.co/59Apm7eNF0 pic.twitter.com/2dD7Zjg8a3
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) March 3, 2017
West Stand Bogs on their fundraising page say Ashley Salkeld was a larger than life sports lover who like many others didn’t open up about his personal troubles. The fanzine have also done walks to Chesterfield and Bradford in similar fundraising efforts.
Just spent two grand on blister plasters & ibuprofen.
— West Stand Bogs (@WestStandBogs) March 2, 2017
The walk is set to be an extra tough task with rain forecast for the majority of the 50 mile trek.