'If I get tired, I’ll just keep marching on': Eight year olds to walk from Old Trafford to Anfield for special reason

18.03.2022 - 19:53 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

A group of eight year-old boys are walking from Old Trafford to Anfield to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s hospital in Liverpool this weekend. The group, from the St.Helens area of Merseyside were inspired to walk between the two stadiums after one of the boys, Isaac O’Connor, walked 24 miles from his home to Old Trafford last October to raise money for the same cause.

Isaac and five of his team mates, from the Rainhill Romas, Alex Hoogendyk, Zach Harding, Max Davies, Henry Bednarczyk & Jack Elliott will tackle the 32 mile distance across two days, arriving at Anfield in time to see the two rival teams battle it out on the pitch.

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Isaac was inspired to fundraise after seeing that Tyson Fury’s daughter was unwell and was treated at Alder Hey Children’s hospital. Upon beating his fundraising goal of £3,000 and raising £3,420, Isaac was inspired to do more and go further. So far, the group has raised just over £3,500 but hope to hit their target of £5000.

Speaking about his mammoth walk, Isaac said “I just wanted to do something nice. The first time, I done it for Tyson’s kid Athena because she was unwell.

“If I get tired, I’ll just keep marching on.

“I’m very excited, I just can’t wait.”

Max Davies, one of Isaac’s friends who will be walking to Anfield as well, explained why he decided to join.

He said: “I know I’m lucky to be healthy, and I hope they can use the money to make things better for kids who've got to stay in hospital. It’s a fun thing to do with my friends.”

The eight year-olds are going to walk 16 miles each day. First setting off from Old Trafford on Saturday morning, before stopping for the night and picking the journey back up the