Wigan Athletic walk to Barnsley goes ahead (sort of!)

The Joseph's Goal walkers set off for Leeds last April, including Latics legends Emmerson Boyce and Nick Powell

A 58-mile, three-day walk over the Pennines for Monday's scheduled Championship fixture to raise funds to find a cure for the life limiting condition, Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia.

Unfortunately, the walk fell foul of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But that won't be stopping walk organiser Martin Tarbuck - and fellow walkers Christine Lamb, Rob Foster and Spencer Holland - from completing the challenge from the sanctuary of their own homes!

"It's a real shame for all those who put tremendous work into organising it, those who have offered support and those who have already generously helped raise funds before the walk got postponed," said Martin, who edits the Latics 'Mudhutter' fanzine, and is an ambassador of the charity.

"We are, of course, committed to trying to get the walk up and running as soon as is safely possible.

"But, me I’m a bit daft sometimes, also a bit impatient and, also as one of the ambassadors of the charity, it is my duty to try and raise the profile of Joseph’s Goal by considering creative ways to raise money."

Martin says he'll 'aim to stay true to the walk mileage and do each leg in succession, maybe provide some pictorial accompaniment and clips on my social media feed'.

He added: "I am doing it to raise funds, raise awareness, have a laugh, probably annoy my family and keep the momentum going for Joseph’s Goal

"As a charity, it has already lost its two major annual fund raisers in the walk and the Legends Charity game. The annual ball may also be in doubt.

"Joseph and every other child with NKH are on the vulnerable list for COVID-19 and time does not stand still in the search for medicine to improve their life limiting condition."

To sponsor Martin Tarbuck, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-tarbuck1

To sponsor Christine Lamb, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christine-jordan4

To sponsor Rob Foster, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/robert-foster20

To sponsor Spencer Holland, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/SpencerWalk2020

Anyone interested in taking part in future can email [email protected] to get on the mailing list.