Plymouth to Oldham — our biggest challenge yet

It's been seven years since Ricky left us, and he would have been 56 in March. A man who was loved by so many of us and taken away so cruelly.

I'm incredibly proud to be a part of The Ricky Casey Trust as we work towards ultimately finding a cure for the disease that took Ricky from us. The community has been incredible from the start in supporting us, and we are asking for that support again for what is our biggest challenge yet.

On the 13th August, in memory of Ricky's 56th birthday, myself and Ratty will set off on a 560km (340 mile) walking challenge from Plymouth to Oldham. The route we take will incorporate us calling at different football and sports grounds every day, starting at Plymouth Argyle FC and finishing at Springhead AFC on Saturday 22nd August.

The charity has a clear target of raising £500,000 for clinical trials to look towards a cure for Renal Medullary Carcinoma, which took Ricky's life. In addition, we hope the walk will create more awareness around RMC and what the charity can help with. Ricky was a very close friend, not only to me but to many people, and we are planning to finish with a Ricky Casey party at the club on the 22nd.

This is by far the most difficult challenge to date — to walk 34 miles a day for 10 days is going to push us to the limit. We'd love this to be our most successful challenge yet, and to beat the £12,500 we raised for the 'Walk to Wembley'.

We need some initial help, and we already have a number of people and businesses who have put their hands up. We are expecting significant media coverage from the walk, and it's a chance for companies to support. We are looking for the below:

• T-shirt sponsors at £100 each (as many as we can get — your name will also be on the travel van and social media)

• Any help with accommodation or hotel contacts

• Sponsors for fuel for the van

• A medical equipment sponsor

• Energy drinks and supplement supplies

• Physios and gyms with recovery facilities on the route

• Walking equipment

• Evening meal sponsorships

• Contacts at any of the following sports clubs: Plymouth Argyle, Torquay United, Exeter City, Somerset Cricket, Bristol City FC, Forest Green FC, Cheltenham Town FC, Kidderminster Harriers FC, Aston Villa, Stoke City

Time makes us forget, but I can't and don't want to forget Ricky. If you can spare a few quid or help in other ways, then please get on board and contact myself or Nicola. Please also get the 22nd August in your diaries and let's have this as a celebration and remembrance party of Ricky's life, as well as raising a few quid. We had some special events when Ricky was poorly, and it would be great to get loads of his friends there to share stories again.

One day, this little charity from Oldham will be front and centre of finding a cure for RMC. Thanks again for any support. 🧡🧡🧡

Any donations can be made via our Enthuse page below, or contact myself and Nicola for cash donations: rickycaseytrust.enthuse.com/pf/lee-mcallister-0d8ed

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