A Newcastle United fan is set to take on a 24-hour walk around St James' Park to help those hit hard by the rising cost of living.
Season ticket holder Alan Hodgson will be taking on the mammoth challenge in the hope of raising vital funds for Newcastle West End Food Bank and Changing Lives.
The 52-year-old from Durham will set off from the Sir Bobby Robson statue outside the stadium at 4.30pm on Friday, November 11, and will finish just before the Newcastle United V Chelsea game kicks off the following day.
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Alan said he has seen first hand how people are struggling in his job at Changing Lives, where he is a project lead for one of the charity's accommodation services. The organisation offers support for people dealing with issues including homelessness and addiction.
“The thought of people and families going without food this Christmas is really upsetting,” said Alan. “I am calling on as many people as possible to support me - united we can do something about it."
Alan will be joined by his son, Wilfy Hodgson, seven, for the first and last hour of the fundraiser, with the youngster set to wear 'Bruno's magic hat' during the effort.
Wilfy said: "It makes me sad when families don't have food, so look out for Bruno's magic hat."
Dad Alan continued: "There should never come a time when people are homeless or families are struggling for food. However, the cost of living crisis means that organisations and charities have got to step up.
"I am trying to raise as much as I can to try and bring a bit of comfort for people towards Christmas. It would be great if people could come down on Friday or Saturday and look out for 'Bruno's magic hat,' say hello, and make a donation."
The fundraiser comes as Newcastle West End Foodbank sees a huge rise in the number of people needing food parcels. Latest figures show that the food bank handed out a record 2,019 food parcels in September, compared to 1,375 in the same month last year.
John McCorry, CEO of Newcastle West End Foodbank, said: “The foodbank has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people needing our services this year, and in September 2022 we issued a record number of parcels in a single month.
“As well as food, we offer help and advice on a variety of areas including debt, welfare benefits, and housing. We are very grateful to Alan for his support in these challenging times and wish him all the best for the walk and look forward to celebrating his achievement at the finish line before the game!”
CEO of Changing Lives, Stephen Bell OBE, will also join Alan for the final hours of the fundraiser on Saturday, November 12.
Abby Robinson, senior fundraising manager at Changing Lives, said: “Without the support of amazing fundraisers like Alan, people will face an uncertain future faced with difficult decisions about whether to heat or eat. Thanks to the funds and awareness that Alan will raise, Changing Lives and Newcastle West End Foodbank will be able to provide essential food, electricity, gas, hot water, and safe shelter this winter."
To donate visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/walkingincircles
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