There were emotional scenes at Leeds Rhinos' Kirkstall training base on Sunday at the end of a three-day, 100-mile sponsored trek in memory of Milford Amateur Rugby League Club star Josh Parle. The scrum-half, who was in his 30s, died just just before Christmas. Milford member Dave Bray organised the walk, which began in Warrington on Friday, to support Josh’s partner Emma Brown and their three-year-old son Charlie.
The initial group of walkers were joined by supporters from Milford and Leeds’ other community clubs on Sunday’s final leg to Kirkstall where Milford play their home matches. They received a heroes’ welcome during a fund-raising game between the Leeds side and Dodworth Miners.
Bray said: “Josh was well known around the Leeds area regarding his aggressive approach to the game; he never took a backwards step. He was part of the furniture at the club and has left a huge hole that will never be filled.”
More than £30,000 has been pledged via an online fundraising page, smashing the original target of £10,000, with donations still coming in. YEP photographer Steve Riding captured the best moments from Sunday’s finale stage.
![The walkers made an impressive sight as they headed for the finish line in Kirkstall.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjEzMzgwZmE1LTBhNTAtNDExYS04Yzc0LWQzNzQ3NmZkZmQ0ODo3YjM3ZmUzOS03M2RiLTQwMWYtODY2ZC04ZTRmMTkwNWQ5NTY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
1. Josh Parle memorial walk
The walkers made an impressive sight as they headed for the finish line in Kirkstall. Photo: Steve Riding
![Josh Parle's partner Emma Brown and their son Charlie, aged three, with Josh's mother Andrea Slater.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjRmY2E0MzJlLTE0ZmYtNGU4ZC1hNTE0LTQ1MmQyOTljMmRiNzo5YWJlMGQ4ZC1kNjU4LTQwYTktODBjOS1lNmNlZDQ5ZmM2NDc=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
2. Josh Parle memorial walk
Josh Parle's partner Emma Brown and their son Charlie, aged three, with Josh's mother Andrea Slater. Photo: Steve Riding
![Walkers make their way up Eastgate as they head for Leeds Rhinos' Kirkstall training academy, where Milford play matches.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjBhMGRiNzcxLTMzMjgtNGMyYS1iNzcxLTJkNGFkNDQxNDYzOTpkOGJhYzkwZi1kNmJiLTQzODAtOWE0OC00ZmZkZGFlNDc4M2Q=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
3. Josh Parle memorial walk
Walkers make their way up Eastgate as they head for Leeds Rhinos' Kirkstall training academy, where Milford play matches. Photo: Steve Riding
![Walkers stride out from Stanningley Amateur Rugby League Club.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmEzYTlkN2ZmLTYyNTYtNGIxOC05OGQwLTNjYmY1N2FkNjI0MjpkYmUxZTVkNC0wMTJiLTRlODYtOWNhMC1kNjI3ZDE4YTA5ZmI=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
4. Josh Parle memorial walk
Walkers stride out from Stanningley Amateur Rugby League Club. Photo: Steve Riding
![Some of the walkers who joined in the final stage of the three-day trek from Warrington to Leeds.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjM0MmUxOTE0LTQwYjYtNDUzNy1iNTVmLTc5YmM2ZDhhNDAyYzplMTMyMGRkZi02MzVhLTRiMjYtYTJiOC1kZTU0NWVlMzQyODA=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. Josh Parle memorial walk
Some of the walkers who joined in the final stage of the three-day trek from Warrington to Leeds. Photo: Steve Riding
![Proud walkers reach the end of their trek, in Kirkstall.](https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjY0ZmNlYWFmLTg1ZWMtNDgxNy1iNjE0LTAwNWRjNWZjNGJkMjo5MjgzYzA4ZC0xYmUyLTRmNTEtYjBmYy1mNDQ0ZmE1ZDRjMTE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. Josh Parle memorial walk
Proud walkers reach the end of their trek, in Kirkstall. Photo: Steve Riding