John O’Groats footballers raise over £1500 in virtual end-to-end challenge
Players and committee members of John O’Groats Football Club have completed their virtual end-to-end challenge – raising more than £1500 along the way.
They took about a month to cover a combined distance of 874 miles, equivalent to the distance to Land’s End.
A target of £1000 was set, with the money to be divided equally between the football club and the John O’Groats Playpark Fund. However, by the time the distance had been completed the amount raised was £1512.
A total of 27 people rose to the challenge, including some ex-players. Those who took part ran, walked, cycled or clocked up the miles in other ways.
Players Saleem Bremner and Callum Musgrave, accompanied by Saleem’s brother Kasim Ahmed, climbed seven Munros in the Cairngorms within 11 hours at the end of October.
Saleem and Callum covered about 58 miles between them to count towards the end-to-end tally.
In a social media post, the club thanked all who had taken part and donated.
The individual who achieved the most distance was player Craig Kennedy, covering 155.58 miles on foot.
Co-managers Mark Robertson and Stuart Sinclair were second and third respectively.
Former John O’Groats players Gary Sinclair, Callum Green and Iain Rosie between them contributed 105 miles.
The fundraiser was initiated by Iain Green and Gavin Manson and it closes this Friday.
Iain, a committee member and player, said: “I only did 36 miles myself, but Craig Kennedy was determined he was going to beat Mark Robertson because he knew that Mark would be one of the top guys. What was impressive about him was that he did it all on foot.
“There are one or two boys who haven’t been fit enough to do it. One of our young players had an operation so he couldn’t actually do any – so he’ll be getting fined suitably, I think!
“We’ve been trying to raise a bit more funds for ourselves. If we can do that whilst making money for the playpark that’s right beside us, that’s fine.
“We would probably have been able to do both ways but it’s not the sort of thing you want to drag on, especially at this time of year.”
John O’Groats play in the first division of the Caithness Amateur Football Association summer league.
The playpark is to be developed next to the football pitch. It will have state-of-the-art, multi-generational recreational facilities and will be in memory of local woman Julie McGee.
A statement on the JustGiving page said: “Funds raised will go towards improving facilities and equipment for John O’Groats FC, helping us to continue nurturing local talent and promoting grassroots football.
“Additionally, we’re proud to support the John O’Groats Playpark Fund, which is working to build a brand-new playpark for the area’s children. This new playpark will be a safe, fun space where kids can play and grow, making it a crucial addition to our community.
“Every donation will help us achieve our goals and bring something special to the John O’Groats community. Please support us in making a difference, one step at a time.”
