By Jonathan White
Nantwich Town Disability Football players, friends and supporters have battled relentless rain to complete a gruelling 42-mile sponsored walk – raising more than £650.
The challenge, held on Saturday 29th August, saw participants set off from Nantwich before making their way to The Kinder Lodge in Hayfield, Derbyshire.
And while the weather was far from kind, it failed to dampen the determination of those taking part.
The sponsored walk is raising vital funds to help Nantwich Town Disability Football (NTDF) continue to grow and provide free, inclusive football opportunities for more than 50 players across its visually impaired and adult pan-disability teams. Participants were able to choose their own challenge, with options ranging from five or 10 miles to half the route or the full 42-mile distance.
But one achievement stood out. Sixteen-year-old Elise completed an incredible 25 miles – becoming the youngest person ever to take part in the NTDF walk. Elise has trained with the club’s pan-disability team for the past year, growing in confidence and developing as a footballer. This season she will take another major step forward when she enters the competitive Ability Counts League for the first time. Her performance on Saturday showed the same determination she has demonstrated on the pitch – walking 25 miles through heavy, persistent rain at just 16 years of age.
Event organiser Craig Acton said:
“I’m incredibly proud of everyone who took part. The weather made this a hugely challenging day, but everyone showed fantastic determination and never gave up.
“Special congratulations to Elise on completing 25 miles – what an incredible achievement at just 16. A massive thank you also goes to all our participants, sponsors and supporters. The money raised will make a real difference in helping us keep NTDF free, inclusive and accessible while continuing to develop disability football in Nantwich.”
More than £650 has already been raised, with donations still welcome.
NTDF is proudly supported by Direct Access, award-winning Universal Design and Accessibility specialists led by disabled people.
NTDF runs free weekly pan-disability football sessions every Friday evening on the 3G pitch at Swansway Stadium, Water Lode, Nantwich, welcoming anyone with a disability who wants to get involved in football in a friendly and supportive environment.
The latest fundraiser is part of ongoing efforts by Craig Acton and the NTDF team to ensure disability football continues to thrive in Nantwich.
Donations can still be made through the NTDF sponsored walk fundraising page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sponsored-walk-for-ntdf