Ian West, 67, from Nottingham, will be walking to every Premier League football club across the country over the next five months to raise money for sight loss charity Guide Dogs.
He set off on Monday 1st August and will be walking to each of the 20 clubs in the league, ending on New Year’s Eve at newly promoted Nottingham Forest for their match against Chelsea.
Ian, who spent 31 years in the Royal Navy, is taking on the challenge wearing a jacket featuring 20 knitted guide dogs, each representing one of the teams and wearing their colours.
He completed a solo walk around the UK coast for the charity in 2018 and raised more than £7,000 which was used to name and support guide dog puppy Banjo.
He said: “I’m excited to take on this challenge, it’s a great charity. I want to do whatever I can to help them support people living with sight loss, to live the life that they choose.”
Ian’s brother has been diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, a condition which affects your central vision, which has inspired him to raise more funds and awareness for the charity.
Nichola Bonsall, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager at Guide Dogs, said:
“We are extremely grateful for Ian’s continued support as a fundraiser and that he is taking on another incredible fundraising challenge.
“It costs £54,800 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement and, as a charity, we rely almost entirely on public donations.
“If you can spare a few pounds, please support him and help him reach his target.”
To support Ian’s fundraiser, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/banjopremiership footballclubchallenge
To find out more about the charity, visit: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/
