By Jamie Heron
Fans of Leeds United and Huddersfield Town have organised a charity walk in support of local food banks over the festive period.
The walk is 13 miles long and will see fans from both clubs walk all the way from Elland Road to The John Smith’s stadium ahead of Huddersfield Town vs Leeds United this Saturday lunchtime.
Gib Aslam, a volunteer for the LUFC Foodbanks and a Leeds United season ticket holder, helped to organise the event and already completed the walk last month to make sure the route was safe to walk.
He said: “We’re meeting at 6.15 am and aiming to leave for around 6.30 am which should see us arrive for 11.30 am – in time for kick-off.
The walk from Elland Road to The John Smiths Stadium
“We’ve got 35 volunteers from Leeds and we’ve got 10 people coming over from Huddersfield to join in as well.
“We’re trying to raise valuable funds for the food bank networks in Leeds, and Huddersfield fans will be raising money for their foodbanks over in Huddersfield – we’re also just trying to raise awareness of the foodbanks and the work that they do.
“Recent research has shown that foodbank use increases by 44% over December and the festive period which shows just how much this is needed right now,” he added.
So far Leeds United Supporters’ Trust has raised just shy of £6,000 via their Just Giving page.
Chris Fairley, 57, is a life-long supporter of Leeds United and is participating in the walk this Saturday morning.
Although he doesn’t even have a ticket for the game, he is participating in the event to help people and families in need over the festive period.
He said: “It’s a good opportunity to get the word out that the trust is collecting money and food for the foodbanks as well as raising a bit more money for charity.
“It’s not just for people who use food banks frequently because sometimes it’s a big step for people to do that, it supports all kinds of people who may have difficulties at this time in their life.
“I’ll also get to meet writers and journalists for the SquareBall fanzine and fellow Leeds United fans along the journey,” he added.
Leeds Fans Foodbank have already donated over 1500 meals this season, and expect the number to massively increase over the festive period.
Leeds United Supporters’ trust are still collecting donations for the charity walk via their Just Giving page.