A group of eight year-old boys are walking from Old Trafford to Anfield to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s hospital in Liverpool this weekend. The group, from the St.Helens area of Merseyside were inspired to walk between the two stadiums after one of the boys, Isaac O’Connor, walked 24 miles from his home to Old Trafford last October to raise money for the same cause.
Isaac and five of his team mates, from the Rainhill Romas, Alex Hoogendyk, Zach Harding, Max Davies, Henry Bednarczyk & Jack Elliott will tackle the 32 mile distance across two days, arriving at Anfield in time to see the two rival teams battle it out on the pitch. They will set foff from Old Trafford tomorrow at 12:30pm.
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Isaac was inspired to fundraise after seeing that Tyson Fury’s daughter was unwell and was treated at Alder Hey Children’s hospital. Upon beating his fundraising goal of £3,000 and raising £3,420, Isaac was inspired to do more and go further. So far, the group has raised just over £3,500 but hope to hit their target of £5000.
Speaking about his mammoth walk, Isaac said “I just wanted to do something nice. The first time, I done it for Tyson’s kid Athena because she was unwell.
“If I get tired, I’ll just keep marching on.
“I’m very excited, I just can’t wait.”
Max Davies, one of Isaac’s friends who will be walking to Anfield as well, explained why he decided to join.
He said: “I know I’m lucky to be healthy, and I hope they can use the money to make things better for kids who've got to stay in hospital. It’s a fun thing to do with my friends.”
The eight year-olds are going to walk 16 miles each day. First setting off from Old Trafford on Saturday morning, before stopping for the night and picking the journey back up the following day, ending at Anfield. Another friend of Isaac’s, Alex said: “I wanted to do this walk so we can raise as much money as we can for sick children.
“It will be tough but also fun to do with my best friends.”
Jack Elliott, eight, who will also be walking across the weekend to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s hospital said: “I am doing the walk for two reasons. First, because I want to raise lots of money for Alder Hey, and will enjoying walking with my school friends.
“Second is because the staff at Alder Hey looked after me when I was an operation there. It will be tough but I know I can do it.”
Chris O’Connor, Isaac’s dad, has been working tirelessly to bring as much attention to the walk as he can.
From reaching out to ex-footballers to organising the event.
He said: “We’ll carry on raising money for Alder Hey.
“It’s the experience as well, it’s a great couple of days and what a feat at eight years-old to walk 32 miles!”
To add to the excitement of the weekend of walking, Chris has also set up a draw to win a signed shirt from Liverpool FC player Jordan Henderson which was donated to the cause by Jamie Carragher and his foundation.
To win the t shirt, simply £5 donate to the boy's Just Giving. The name of the winner will be reviled on Facebook this evening at 8pm.
The group will be joined for some of the walk by former Manchester United player and global ambassador for the team, Bryan Robson who will be part of among the club representatives who will see Isaac and his friends off from Old Trafford.
Adam Dixon, community fundraiser at Alder Hey Children's Charity said: "Well done to Isaac and all his friends who are taking on an incredible challenge this weekend. The money raised will help benefit the 330,000 patients and families we treat every year at Alder Hey and we cant wait to see the final amount raised.
“Good luck and thank you to everyone involved!"
A spokesperson from Manchester United said: “Isaac’s charitable efforts for such a good cause is an inspiration for us all and we are proud to have him as a Manchester United fan. We wish him all the best for a successful walk this weekend.”
To support the boy's walk and donate to their Just Giving page, click here.
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