Echo: Fans sign up for 96-mile walk

A group of Liverpool fans from across the country will embark on a 96-mile walk from Hillsborough to Anfield later this year to show their support for the families affected by the tragedy.

Mike Wilson, who was on the Leppings Lane terrace along with his father David on April 15 1989, is one of eight supporters who have signed up for the challenge on Friday, December 14.

The journey from Sheffield to Liverpool is expected to take around 28 hours and they will raise money for both the Hillsborough Family Support Group (HFSG) and the Hillsborough Justice Campaign (HJC).

Wilson said: "The idea came out of a conversation on Twitter by LFC fans from all around the country.

"The Hillsborough Independent Panel report hit everyone hard. We all had huge respect for the dignity of the families throughout the past 23 years and with their journey not yet over, we were thinking how we could support them. I put together the idea and it's become a reality.

"The direct route would have been just over 70 miles but it had to be 96 for obvious reasons.

"In light of the support we've had from other clubs, the idea of visiting other grounds en route was an option. As it turns out, if you visit Huddersfield, Oldham, Man City, Bury, Bolton, Wigan and Everton along the way, it's 95.7 miles.

"Effectively it's split into 16 six mile stages and different pairs walk each stage. The short stage at the end will be walked by us all.

"The eight of us will carry a dozen roses each to lay at the memorial. My father is going to join us but at 81, he just going to do that last 200 yards. The plan is to arrive at Anfield around noon on the day of the Villa game.

"We have spoken directly to Margaret Aspinall and Sheila Coleman both of whom have given us their complete support."

Mike will be joined on the walk by fellow Reds Cherie Brewster, Richard Fitzgerald, Beth O'Shaughnessy, John Coleman, Bev Ashwell, Stu Wilson and Gary Paterson. Rugby league legend Bobby Goulding has also signalled his intention to take part.

For further information go to: www.fromthekop.com.

Source: Liverpool Echo