We set off from the Tetley's Stadium at half past nine on
the Sunday morning in pouring rain and headed up Owl Lane before descending down
Kingsway into Ossett. We then took a route through Horbury, Thornes Park and
Wakefield before hitting Chantry Bridge and the long haul up Doncaster Road.
Passing by Heath Common and up through Crofton. We went on to Sharlston where
we had our only pub stop at that well known rugby pub the Sharlston hotel. We
then headed off through Streethouse and finally to Featherstone in warm
sunshine.
I have to say that having done this walk twice previously this
was easily the most enjoyable. This was mainly because of the magnificent
attitude and spirit of our super cheerleaders. Led by their dance teacher Fran
Burkinshaw they went the whole way with smiles on their faces and had the
infectious enthusiasm to lift us all. Many of the girls even had enough energy
to run some of the way and even practised new dances along the
route.
Give these girls a big hand when they come on to dance
tonight. When you watch a Super League game on Sky you may see very attractive
dancing girls but how many would walk 13.5 miles in the rain for their club. At
no stage did any of them utter the dreaded words - how much further is
it!
The walk was organised by Greg from the South Stand. he set
quite a good pace up front! Cheerleaders organiser Janet Roper covered the
ground in rapid style whilst representing the club was Daniel Hawkins who showed
a fair turn of pace when we had a short race at Crofton!
This event could not have happened without the fantastic help
from the support cars and food suppliers. This was undertaken by Dave Roper,
Steph Mitchell, Karen and Sue.
The cheerleaders who walked were Lauren (plus boyfriend Tom),
Devon, Megan, Sam, Jess, Lauren, Kate, Nicole and Alice.
Supporters who also walked were Kev Davey, Julie and that
familiar voice from the North Stand Dean.
Thanks to all our sponsors and only fair to acknowledge
Featherstone Rovers for congratulating us on their electronic
scoreboard.
All the money we raised is to provide a cardio vascular room
for the players here at the Tetley's Stadium.
By David Hyomes
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