Footy fans stride out for Cooksey

WALK TALL. . .Charity walkers hit the streets, headed for Leeds

MORE than two dozen Latics fans set out on an overnight walk, bound for Elland Road and Saturday’s Oldham match against Leeds United.

The aim was to raise money for the family of former Latics player Ernie Cooksey, who died last month from skin cancer, and they netted a massive £10,000, with still more to come in.

The walkers set out at 6.30pm on Friday from the White Hart, Royton, and covered the 36 miles well ahead of schedule.

They hit Leeds at 8.30am — six-and-a-half hours before the start of the match, giving them plenty of time to seek out a sports centre for a shower and a change of clothes before reaching Elland Road at 1.30pm.

There, the weary walkers got an invitation into the pitch, and were presented with footballs signed by both teams.

Walker Wayne Williams and walk organiser Carl Spiers plan to auction them off next month to raise more money for the Cooksey family.

Ernie’s partner, Louise Newlove, gave birth to his daughter, Isabella Georgia, a few days after his funeral.

Wayne said after the walk: “We would like to say a big thank you to all our sponsors.

“We are now planning a walkers get-together in September, where we will auction the footballs.”