12 Red trekkers arrived at the state-of-the-art training centre in Carrington, where they rubbed shoulders with past and present United players such as Bryan Robson and received fitness and nutritional advice from Tony Strudwick, Head of Sport Science at Manchester United.
The team were then allowed behind the scenes to experience a full training session in the sports hall using the equipment that their heroes train with on a daily basis.
The trek is a great personal challenge for United fan Peter Wilson from Congleton, following an astounding weight loss. He commented, “I’ve lost 8 ½ stones this year. I decided I needed to do something to keep active so when we saw this advertised at Old Trafford my wife suggested I got involved.”
Lesley Derbyshire from East Yorkshire added, “It’s been a very good day. They’ve taught me new ways to exercise and prepare, not just physically, but mentally. I follow Manchester United and I’ve done several charity walks in the past so the trek really appealed to me. It’s been a while since I’ve done something like this but I’m really looking forward to it.”
Raising money for the Manchester United Foundation, the Hadrian’s Wall trek takes place from 9-11th October 2012 and offers participants the chance to trek 26 miles along one of England’s finest landmarks in the company of ex-United midfielder Nicky Butt.
In a bid to help raise more money for the cause, Lesley has also created a song, aptly named ‘Foundation’, which is available to download from iTunes.
Foundation chief executive John Shiels commented, “We’ve done a number of charity challenges before, but this is the first one we’ve done in the UK which makes it easier for people to get involved. They are always a great fundraiser for our work with local young people. Most of our trekkers are United fans so getting to see behind the scenes at the Club is really special for them.”
Limited places on the Hadrian’s Wall trek are still available, call James Lester on 0161 868 8444 for more information.
Image shows (L-R): Adam Mitcheson, Stephen McCinlay, Craig Reep, Lesley Derbyshire, Chris Elliot, Peter Wilson, Alan Duffus, Larissa Berry, Julia Ainsworth, Lynn Duance, Dr Jacques Tamin.