Bolton Wanderers fans raise incredible amount for good cause

They started the trek from The Market Tavern in Horwich to Blackpool Football Stadium to help raise funds for life-saving training and defibrillators across the borough.

After the death of life-long Wanderers fan Iain Purslow, the Bolton Wanderers Remembrance Group (BWRG) teamed up with prominent defibrillator campaigner, Claire Axon – who runs the charity Minutes Matter.

Member of the organisation behind it, Andrew Bowling, says that the main thing he wanted to come from this was to raise awareness and the vital funds.

John McGinlay with supporters (Image: Public)

• ALSO READ: Bolton Wanderers fans takes part in walk to raise vital funds
• ALSO READ: The Victoria Pub and Bolton Wanderers team up for challenge

• Royal Bolton Hospital issues parking charges update

He said: “It was never really about the money, it was about the awareness, and to help Minutes Matter to do what they do.

“It’s a fantastic added bonus to raise this much.

“The Dizzy Ducks Bistro in Preston were brilliant.

“We stopped there as a group, and they refused to take payment.”

Andrew has also been involved in other charity fundraisers before for various causes.

Manager of Absolute Bar & Bistro, John McGinlay, also took on the walk, and says it has always been a goal for The Victoria pub – which he also runs – to have a defibrillator installed.

Andrew Bowling with supporter (Image: Public)He said: “Everyone is super proud of the good collective effort, and it all comes down to the organisation, with people making sure everyone was okay throughout the night.

“There was a lot that went into it, with some not doing the walk, but lot of people involved.

“It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life.

“Now we get to see what the money raised can do.”

Claire says that the funds raised will make a huge difference across the borough.

She said: “They went through so much pain with blisters on their feet, cramps, aches and pains and still smashed it.

“A passer-by was surprised at how amazing they were doing but did pass a comment that they weren’t exactly athletes.

“I agreed laughing and replied, ‘yes I know but they’re Bolton lads and lasses and they know it’s for an amazing cause’.

“I’m so proud of them all.

“Andrew, Jade and Jamie, and everyone involved have been fantastic and I can’t thank everyone enough for all the wonderful work they have done to pull it all off.”

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.