On the march to big kick-off

LONG walk ahead . . . Phill Higgins (left) and Andrew Durrans are walking from Millwall FC to Boundary Park

Latics fans aim to score with 207-mile fundraising walk

A PAIR of die-hard Latics fans are going the extra mile to catch their team’s home game against Millwall — an extra 207 miles to be precise.

Phill Higgins and Andrew Durrans are walking from Millwall’s south-east London ground — the New Den — to Boundary Park in nine days in a bid to raise money for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

They set out on the challenge today and will aim to complete 25 miles each day before arriving back in Oldham next Saturday, August 9, to catch Latics in action.

Phill, of Polperro Close, Heyside, said: “Dr Kershaw’s plays such an integral part in the local community and provides invaluable care for the terminally ill as well as their families. The hospice needs to raise £1,750,000 a year just to remain open for business.

“It was decided back in March that whoever Latics drew as their first fixture of the new season, we would walk from their ground to Boundary Park.

“Millwall came out of the bag, and subsequently, we will be walking the 207 miles over nine days.”

The lads will have a support driver with them at all times who will be using a car donated by Vehicle Consultants of Chadderton.

Other local companies have also offered their support and Latics fans are being encouraged to join the duo for a few miles along the route.

Phill added: “The goal is to arrive back at Boundary Park in time for the 3pm kick off. The time frame is very tight and the task is very physically demanding, as has been proven in our training.

“We are currently at the stage where we are walking 25 miles in six and a half hours and are fully prepared for the task ahead.”