FOOTBALL GROUND CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY FUNDRAISER

THE CHALLENGE:
Football mad Chris Cowlin has set himself the ultimate charity challenge – to visit all 92 football league clubs in 12 days. But, he isn't only driving to the grounds; he is running around each stadium when he arrives.
He will drive nearly three thousand miles and will run approximately 92 kilometres (57 miles) overall around the stadiums. Chris will visit teams from the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two. Running around 92 stadiums will be the equivalent of running more than two marathons in under two weeks, all in aid of the charity 'Willow'.
Chris is no stranger to fundraising, having raised over £40,000 for various charities during the last 10 years. He is a mad football fan who has visited most clubs already in the past and is also a Tottenham Hotspur season ticket holder. He has competed in several running events in the past few years including the London Marathon in 2012.
Chris has carefully planned out his trip which will start at White Hart Lane; home of his beloved Tottenham Hotspur and will end at Colchester United Football Club. He will start the challenge on Monday, 4 June 2018 and will end on Friday, 15 June 2018.
Chris can be sponsored using the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/92stadiums12days

CHRIS SAID:
"I am so excited by this challenge, it is something different and it's all over the country. I have heard and read that many fans have done the 92 grounds, but no one has ever done this challenge before, running around all of the grounds."
"I hope many people in the UK come and join in, wear their club colours and run around their club’s stadium with me, it will be very nice to meet other fans."
"I have set my target at £1,500 for my chosen charity, Willow. It is such a great cause and I hope as many people as possible support me and this event."
"It is a new challenge for me running 50 odd miles in 12 days, one I am really looking forward to. I need to put in a lot of training."
"I cannot wait to visit the 92 grounds and be greeted by members of staff at each stadium."
"I love helping people and raising money for charity, particularly Willow, who provide such great and memorial days for seriously ill young adults."

THE CHARITY:
Registered charity no: 1106746
Willow is the only national charity working with seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special Days. For some, their Special Day is the opportunity to return some normality to their lives. For others, it is the last chance to fulfil a dream. But for all, it is a life-affirming experience that can lift spirits, reunify families and be a source of strength when it's needed most.
To date, Willow has provided 12,000 Special Days for young adults living with life-threatening conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and Huntington's disease.
Founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter, Bob Wilson and his wife Megs, Willow is a lasting memorial to their daughter, Anna, who died of cancer aged 31. Anna's love of life and the enriching experiences of her own Special Days were the charity's inspiration.
Website: www.willowfoundation.org.uk

CONTACTS:
Willow:
Address: Willow, Gate House, Fretherne Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6NS
Telephone: 01707 259777
* PLEASE CONTACT CHRIS DIRECTLY TO ARRANGE A RADIO OR NEWSPAPER INTERVIEW *

WHAT THE CELEBRITIES, MP’S AND FOOTBALL CLUBS ARE SAYING...

“What an enormous challenge Chris is taking on for Willow. As he runs each of those 57 miles, and covers many more miles travelling the UK, Chris can rest assured he’s making a positive difference to the lives of seriously ill young adults at a time when they need it most. Well done and thank you to Chris for his continued support of Willow.”
- Bob Wilson, Willow Life President and Co-Founder and Former Arsenal and Scotland international footballer

"I wish Chris all the luck in the world, it sounds some challenge, driving all around the UK and then running around each of the 92 stadiums. I hope many people choose to back him and the Willow Foundation."
- Darren Anderton, Former Portsmouth, Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bournemouth & England international footballer

“Congratulations to Chris for taking on this huge challenge in aid of the Willow foundation, a wonderful charity founded by Bob and Megs Wilson which gives seriously ill young adults a chance to have uplifting and unforgettable special days. I hope all football fans around the country will support Chris as he runs around all 92 football league stadiums in 12 days. Let's get out there, run with him and support him as he embarks on this journey for an amazing cause.”
- Ian Walker, Former Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City & England international footballer

“I applaud Chris in his efforts to raise as much money as possible for 'Willow', which is a great charity. He has set himself a personal challenge and I wish him all the luck in the world. Please support Chris by sponsoring him and cheering him on and if you feel fit enough, do a lap or two with him!”
- Ramon Vega, Former Tottenham Hotspur, Watford & Switzerland international footballer

“What an unbelievable challenge Chris is taking on but well worth it for this incredible charity. Please support him and get out and cheer him on if he is at your club!”
- Kevin Horlock, Former Swindon Town, Manchester City, West Ham United, Ipswich Town & Northern Ireland international footballer

“I have to applaud Chris for his passion and drive in taking on this tough challenge. It says a lot about the person to put yourself forward to help others and Chris is one of those inspiring people you come across in life that makes you sit up and take notice
- Shaun Teale, Former Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Tranmere Rovers & Carlisle United player

“I wish Chris the best of luck with this real challenge and I look forward to joining him for the last leg of the challenge in Colchester.”
- Will Quince, Member of Parliament for Colchester

“Best of luck with the challenge.”
- Stewart Hudson, Head of Media at Blackpool Football Club

“We are looking forward to welcoming Chris to Ashton Gate. It’s a fantastic challenge that he’s taking on, and we’ll do everything we can to support such a great charity.”
- David Lloyd, Supporter Liaison Officer at Bristol City Football Club

“We are looking forward to having Chris at the stadium to help with his challenge. It is a great effort for a worthy cause and we will be here to give him a big welcome as he adds to his stadiums at the Pirelli.”
- Ash Willis, Press & Media Department at Burton Albion Football Club

"We are looking forward to having Chris at the stadium on 22 April to complete his challenge. It is a fantastic effort for a very worthy cause and we will be ready and waiting to give him a big welcome as he finishes off his fundraising here at Colchester United."
- Matt Hudson, Media Manager at Colchester United Football Club

“Chris will be very welcome at Exeter City.”
- Andy Gillard, Operations Manager at Exeter City Football Club

“Chris has set himself a stern challenge for April 2016 but one which is to support a fantastic charity. I hope that all 92 clubs will get behind Chris and support him during his effort to raise as much money as he can for 'Willow'. Fleetwood Town will most certainly be backing and helping Chris to achieve his goal and we very much look forward to welcoming him to Highbury Stadium.
- Tony Collier, Charity Donations Co-ordinator, Fleetwood Town Football Club

“The club is delighted to support Chris and his endeavours to cover all 92 stadiums in such a short space of time! We wish him all the best and hope his efforts will raise lots for the charity ‘Willow’, founded by Arsenal legend Bob Wilson. Our mascot Tommy T will be running with Chris on the day.”
- Charlotte Richardson, Head of Marketing and Communications at Gillingham Football Club

“I am delighted to hear that Chris is involving Portman Road in his Football Club tour challenge in aid of this very good cause. Everyone at Ipswich Town Football Club wishes Chris every success with his challenge and we look forward to seeing him in April 2016.”
- Jade Cole, Public Relations Manager, Ipswich Town Football Club

“Chris’s challenge sounds really interesting and Manchester United are happy to help as much as they can with his run around Old Trafford.”
- Stephen Owen, Museum Assistant at Manchester United Football Club

“Mansfield Town welcomes Chris Cowlin to take part in the 92 Stadiums in 12 days challenge at One Call Stadium in April 2016 and will assist him with any pitchside photography that he requires.”
- Matthew Joule, Media and Communications Assistant, Mansfield Town Football Club

“We wish Chris the best of luck in his very unique challenge to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause. It’s great to see a football supporter constantly think of new innovative ways to engage with the public to raise awareness of a fantastic charity.”
- Sarah Winkelman, Player Liaison Officer at Milton Keynes Dons Football Club

“We are pleased to support Chris in his challenge. The theme of visiting the 92 clubs is a regular fundraising idea but to run a lap around each pitch gives this challenge a new angle. We wish Chris every success and look forward to his visit to Sixfields.”
- Gareth Willsher, Media Manager at Northampton Town Football Club

“We will be delighted to help Chris with his challenge.”
- Colin Farmery, Public Relations Officer at Portsmouth Football Club

“We are looking forward to welcoming Chris to Loftus Road. It is a fantastic effort for a very worthy cause and we will be ready and waiting to give him a big welcome in W12.”
- Andy Sinton, PR Club Ambassador at Queens Park Rangers Football Club and Former Cambridge United, Brentford, Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday, Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Burton Albion & England international Footballer

“Everyone at Stoke City Football Club wishes Chris the best of luck in his 92 stadiums in 12 days challenge”.
- Adrian Hurst, Head of Community at Stoke City Football Club

“We are looking forward to welcoming Chris at the Stadium of Light and wish him the very best of luck for the challenge ahead and with his fundraising for Willow.”
- Chris Waters, Sunderland Football Club

“A lot of people now visit all 92 clubs to raise funds for good causes – but not many then run around the pitch when they get there! It’s fair to say Chris is definitely going the ‘extra mile’ – and the rest! Good luck from everyone at Wolves in raising money for Willow, a fantastic charity which is deserving of everybody’s support.”
- Paul Berry, Media Relations Manager at Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club

“A great idea for a fantastic cause – best of luck from all at Wycombe Wanderers and we look forward to meeting you here at Adams Park.”
- Matt Cecil, Head of Media at Wycombe Wanderers Football Club