Nine years ago I set out to achieve a footballing ambition of mine, to follow the winning team through every round of the FA Cup. That being 14 ties from the extra preliminary rounds in August following every round to the final in May. I’d actually got 3 rounds in attending Oldham Town, Chadderton FC and Trafford FC. However it coincided with my family arranging a surprise holiday for my Mother in Laws (Pat’s) 60 Birthday. Leaving it in the capable hands of my Sister in Law to arrange the bookings, flights etc. To my shock she had booked us away for the fortnight including the FA Cup Final. I suddenly realised I’d started something I couldn’t finish. My wife laughed and said what are you going to do now?

Well we had a fantastic holiday, little did we know what was to come. I decided to complete every ground in the North West Counties Football League that season which I duly did. In fact I’ve currently completed 413 football grounds and done the 92. 

We lost Pat to cancer a year after her holiday, if we hadn’t have booked the holiday I’d never have discovered my hobby. I completed the four FA cups (FA Cup/Trophy/Vase/Sunday cup) this May.  Whilst I was on this journey my own mother Hilda was diagnosed with lung cancer, unfortunately we lost her in November 2013.

We have also successfully hosted two charity football matches and two charity music gigs in that time.  I have also completed a zip wire over Wembley, Our new challenge this July is the Glencoe Challenge which I am doing along with Nathan Foy, Phil McCardle and Adam Heap.

We are doing it for The Christie in memory of Pat & Hilda and everyone who has or is currently battling this horrible disease.

Your support is greatly appreciated.