By Jake Ashby
Staff and fans from Wakefield Trinity are walking to the Friday night Super League fixture against Huddersfield Giants for the “Walk with Wakey” fundraiser.
“Walk with Wakey” starts at Trinity’s Beaumont Legal Stadium in Wakefield and ends at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield, 15 miles away. The walkers plan to arrive at Huddersfield just before the 8pm kick-off.
The event was organised as part of the 10th anniversary of Trinity’s Community Trust charity, whose goal is to use the money to develop the local community. Trinity were also boosted by the news that Barclays bank would back the walk by matching whatever money was earned.
Staff and fans were asked to sign up and try to raise a minimum of £100, which will go directly to Trinity’s Community Trust charity. Some of those involved shared their thoughts before the walk.
https://twitter.com/zoeshack_/status/834842501269876736
Well the time is almost here, a long walk tomorrow Wakefield to Huddersfield and no preparation.… https://t.co/pxBWuU99C9
— craig_ozy (@Craig_ozy) February 23, 2017
Community Development Manager James Stephenson spoke to Yorkshire Voice exclusively, and expressed his appreciation for all those who are involved with the sponsored walk.
Stephenson said: “The turn out’s great, we’re just short of 30 people coming along with us today which is absolutely fantastic. For all of them to be able to commit to this, because it’s a hard task, and it’s on a work day, it’s a testament to them all.”
Stephenson also outlined his plans at the club over the coming year: “This is one of four big fundraisers that were doing this year. We’re aiming at on overall target of £10,000 to £15,000 for 2017.”
Fans of the Giants also recognised the challenge that was facing the walkers and took to Twitter to wish them good luck.
Good luck to @WTCommunityRL and everyone involved in their sponsored walk from Wakefield to @johnsmithstadia today. Great effort. pic.twitter.com/rZGg2vSkEA
— Huddersfield Giants Community Trust (@GiantsCT) February 24, 2017
Trinity will be looking to build on last season’s impressive run, which led them to eighth position in Super League and a Challenge Cup semi-final.
Trinity lost their opening game of the Super League season last week with an 8-12 home defeat to Hull FC and will seek to make amends against the Giants.