A group of more than 100 Leeds United supporters will embark on a walk from Flintshire to Elland Road next week in memory of Gary Speed. This year marks 11 years since his passing, the number worn by the midfielder during his time with the Whites.
Having played for Leeds between 1984 and 1996 and winning the First and Second Division with the club, he will always be considered a Leeds legend and the club mark the anniversary of his death every year. Last November – a decade on from his passing - the players wore ‘Remembering Gary Speed’ t-shirts at the Amex Stadium ahead of the game against Brighton.
Now, a group of supporters are preparing for the 92-mile walk between Speed’s birthplace, Flintshire, and Elland Road, home of the team he made more than 300 appearances for. It will take place between Thursday, May 26 and Sunday, May 29.
Read more: Gary Speed 10 years on: Family, teammates, and friends on the inexplicable tragedy
It begins in the North Welsh town of Aston, where Speed grew up, and those fans are due to pass through Warrington, Ellesmere Port, Frodsham, Altrincham, Manchester, Oldham, Marsden, Huddersfield before arriving in Leeds. As they get nearer to Elland Road, they will pass by the Gary Speed Mural in Bramley.
The organiser of the fundraiser, Michael Normanton of The Square Ball, released a statement regarding the walk and it reads: "Even 10 years later, Gary's passing is something we all struggle to come to terms with, so when the 10th anniversary came around in November, we decided it was an occasion we shouldn't leave unmarked.
"The end of this season seems a perfect time to celebrate his life as it coincides with the 30 year anniversary of the title win Gary contributed so much to. Whether in his usual midfield role, filling in at left-back or up front in place of Lee Chapman, Gary was brilliant at all of it.
“He was talented, handsome and loved by thousands. If mental heath can be an issue for someone as brilliant as that then it's an issue for all of us."
Gary’s mother, Carol, was asked for her thoughts on the great gesture. She said: “It's amazing that, after 11 years, people are still paying their respects, it's good to know just how much Gary meant to people. It just goes to show that he will never be forgotten.”
At the time of writing, almost £7,000 has been raised by the group on behalf of Andy’s Man Club and you can find the fundraising link here.
