40 fundraisers are now signed up to take part in the upcoming Chairman’s Walk to Accrington event – and there’s still time for you to join them!
Raising money to enhance BWitC’s mental health provision, Club Chairman Sharon Brittan will lead the group of fundraisers - including BWFC Director Nick Luckock and CEO Neil Hart - on the journey 20 miles north. Taking place on Saturday 11th December, the aim will be to arrive at Accrington in time to watch the Wanderers take on Stanley. Every penny raised will go towards supporting frontline community mental health provision in Bolton.
And if you would like to join Sharon and take part in the walk, there’s still time to join the group!
Here are the key event details:
The Walk to Accrington will take place on Saturday 11 December, ahead of Bolton Wanderers’ away fixture at Accrington Stanley on the same day. Fundraisers will gather at the University of Bolton Stadium at 6.30am for bacon sandwiches (vegetarian option also available), with a departure time of 7am. Should fundraisers wish to stay in the Bolton Whites Hotel the night before, a reduced room rate is available to those taking part – please email Jonathan Mills on jmills@bwitc.org.uk for more information.
The walk is 20 miles across various terrain and is estimated to take around six to seven hours. Throughout the route, a support vehicle will track all walkers and will provide refreshments along the way.
The aim is to arrive at the Crown Ground for approximately 2pm and on arrival, fundraisers will have the chance to change their clothing at Accrington’s ground. Every fundraiser will be given a ticket to the game and, should they need return transport back to Bolton, this will be provided too.
Places cost £25 and fundraisers are asked to raise a minimum of £200 to take part. The price of registration includes an away ticket to the Accrington Stanley v Wanderers fixture. In addition, all fundraisers will receive a welcome information pack, a fundraising tips pack, sponsor form, covid guidelines and route information.
The Walk to Accrington event is designed to be a significant challenge. Therefore, Bolton Wanderers in the Community advise that those who wish to take part possess a reasonable level of fitness and request that all fundraisers complete a mandatory health disclaimer.
Fans who would like to take on the challenge can register their place here.
If you are unable to take part in the event but you would like to support Sharon's fundraising efforts, you can make a donation to her JustGiving page HERE.
Here’s why Club Chairman Sharon Brittan is taking part: “The pandemic changed all of our lives for so many different reasons and we now know one of the serious consequences of lockdown is the toll it’s taken on people’s mental health.
“BWitC’s mental health provision is addressing this directly, reaching out into the Bolton community to offer crucial support. They are working with those hit the hardest by the events of the past 18+ months, including people who are unemployed, suffering from addiction and isolated senior citizens.
“I hope as many fans as possible will join me and together we can raise vital funds for those who most need our help.”
BWitC’s mental health provision provides a myriad of support for people from across the communities in Bolton.
Richard Slater, Health and Disability Manager for Bolton Wanderers in the Community, said: “Over the last 18 months we have seen the number of people experiencing poor mental health in our community, and across the country, increase dramatically with heightened risk factors such as unemployment, poverty, debt and widening inequalities.
“At BWitC, we have identified and prioritised our mental health work as we come out of the pandemic and we look to help those members of our Bolton community that need it.”
Should you have any queries about the Chairman’s Walk to Accrington, please contact Jonathan Mills on jmills@bwitc.org.uk.
BWitC’s mental health projects:
Team Talk is a mental health project designed to provide a ‘safe space’ for men to talk and aims to offer a support network for those who may need additional support. Open to men aged 18+, the sessions enable conversations to be had around mental health. Topics are covered in an informal setting and include coping mechanisms, peer to peer support, and recognising triggers. Participants are often able to connect through a common interest in football and Bolton Wanderers.
Mental Health Football offer weekly sessions for those who have experienced mental health issues or are who are currently living with them. Participants may be long term unemployed, at risk of offending/re-offending and recovering from substance/alcohol misuse. The sessions provide opportunities for these men to take part in physical activity whilst feeling connecting through peer to peer support. These sessions are also a great opportunity to develop confidence and self-esteem.
Extra Time Hub works with male and female adults aged 55+ and aims to reduce isolation and develop social wellbeing. This is done through a physical activity offer of group walks, allotment access, yoga and strength & balance sessions as well as opportunities for social gatherings at the University of Bolton Stadium. The Extra Time project now also looks to reduce the risk factors for mental health issues that have been heightened by the pandemic including loneliness and isolation, poor access to outdoor and green spaces and widening inequalities
Fans who would like to take on the challenge can register their place here.