LILLINGTON Junior Football Club is kicking off the new season with fund-raising.
Seven club coaches and parents from the club are swapping the pitch for bicycles and cycling from Newcastle United’s St James’ Park – the club whose kit matches their own – back in Leamington.
The 260 mile challenge takes place this weekend (September 3 and 4) and is being held to raise money for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Under-11s player, Blake Roberts’ sister Freya passed away in June, and the club wanted support the family in any way possible.
Sixteen month-old Freya had been diagnosed with Down Syndrome and a hole in her heart at birth and was treated by staff at the children’s hospital.
Ryan Cranton head coach and club director said: “When I received the news about Freya, it really hit home for me as I have a daughter who is the same age as Freya and couldn’t imagine the pain her family were going through.
“As a club focused on community, we offered support to the family in whatever small way we could and asked whether we could raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital on behalf of Freya.
“We, like a large number of families, have needed the help of the hospital when our young daughter Poppy was only a few months old and although it was for nothing too serious my wife and I were extremely appreciative of the support from the staff at the hospital.
Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ljfc to sponsor the team of cyclists.
