Whites legend John McGinlay joined a 175 mile walk to raise awareness of motor neurone disease, a condition which former Bolton Wanderers player Stephen Darby has been diagnosed with.
Ex-Bolton Wanderers striker John took part in March of the Day to raise cash to fund research into the condition.
The three day hike started at Valley Parade, Bradford City's stadium, and finished at Liverpool's Anfield, passing 15 other stadiums on the journey.
The walk was set up by the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, which is co-named after Liverpool-born former footballer Stephen Darby, who started his career at Anfield, played most of his games for Bradford and ended his career with Wanderers after being diagnosed with MND in 2018.
Former Bristol Rovers, Ipswich, Huddersfield and Sunderland striker Marcus Stewart, who has also been diagnosed with the condition, also took part in the fundraiser, as well as many former stars, including Paul Scholes, Chris Kirkland, Dominic Matteo, Jill Scott and Phil Parkinson – Darby’s former manager at Bradford.
John represented Bolton Wanderers in the charity walk and was one of a core group of people who competed the whole walk in relay.
He told The Bolton News: "It was tough, don't get me wrong, I did the same walk four years ago for the same cause, and probably with four more years on the clock it was a bit tougher.
"It's so worth it without a doubt, the pain pales into insignificance.
Read more: Crowds gather for a free pastie or to meet Whites legend at opening of Carrs Pasties
Read more: Burnden legends McGinlay and Lee to launch new club with University of Bolton
"It just hits home, it's a horrible disease. It just needs exposure, we need to raise awareness and there are more and more people getting MND. We need to raise money and raise awareness."
More than £144k has been raised for the charity so far. To donate, visit their JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/marchoftheday
He added: "People on the way were fantastic, they were stopping us as we walked with donations, it was overwhelming at times.
"Especially when we got to Anfield, people were lining the streets, it was quite emotional really. It was just huge.
"Going back to the one we did four years ago, there is no comparison to this one, it is getting bigger and bigger each time and will get bigger."
John praised Stephen and Marcus for their work.
He said: "It's a huge endeavour, they are so brave, they are the ones fronting it, putting themselves out there.
"Stephen on his journey, to see him now in the wheelchair it hits home.
"Stephen himself was supremely fit, as a right wing back getting up and down that line from the first whistle to the last. But all credit to him and his family, they are leading the fight and now Marcus has joined up and he is leading it too."
John also thanked Bolton Wanderers for hosting a rest stop for the party, allowing the walkers to refresh themselves.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel