JOE Riley, the former Wanderers defender, is determined to reward staff at Bolton Royal for helping him out in his hour of need.

When Joe and his new wife Kayleigh suffered the tragic loss of their son Leo Joseph, who was stillborn at 26 weeks, the care and attention given by staff prompted him to focus on a fundraising effort which has thus far exceeded expectations.

To date, more than £4,000 – double the intended target – has been raised, and the 26-year-old hopes to give the total another boost when he leads a party of friends and family on a 44-mile hike between Worsley Old Hall and Blackpool Tower on Saturday.

“We’ve looked at it on the computer and it estimates 14 hours,” Riley told The Bolton News. “But there are a couple of drinkers in our group, so I’d better plan some stop-offs at pubs on the way.

“Whatever we’ve got to do, it’s for a great cause. The hospital was absolutely brilliant for us both when it happened and if we can raise some money to go towards some equipment which other families can use, I’d be delighted.”

Riley will also be joined en route by another name steeped in Bolton traditions. Tony Kelly, the former Burnden Park maestro midfielder, was among the first to contact the family after their loss.

“Tony has been brilliant, he’s a legend,” Riley said. “He was really supportive and you don’t forget that.”

The group making the trek down the A6 towards Chorley and beyond will have strong Bolton Wanderers connections.

“Kayleigh’s dad is a mad Bolton season ticket holder,” he said. “He’s got the club badge tattooed on his arm and everything. Her brother is the same and they will both be joining us. My best mates Jack, Dave and Josh will be there – although Vels (Wanderers midfielder Josh Vela) is off on holiday, so he’s lucky.”

Riley has been overwhelmed by the support he has been given in the past six months, especially by supporters of his new club, Plymouth Argyle.

“When we first set out I thought ‘if we can raise a couple of grand we’ll have done well,’ but it kept going and going,” he said. “When I joined Plymouth the first thing their supporters did was put their hand in their pocket and I really thank them for that.

“I just hope we can make it now. I’m sure I’ll be OK body-wise, it’s just a mental thing. But we’ve got a car with us with water and energy gels and things, so we’re prepared for anyone who might struggle.”

It has already been an eventful summer for Riley, who got married last month in Portugal and also moved between Shrewsbury and Plymouth.

“I found out it was happening on my wedding day,” he said. “It was a bit of a nightmare sorting it all out – but I’m excited by the move. It’s an ambitious club.”

Joe’s fundraising page can be found at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/leo-joseph-riley