Leeds United fan Martin's on the march for a cause close to his heart

A Leeds United fan's year of charity fundraising has been going from strength to strength '“ with a little help from some well-known supporters.
Martin Hywood with Simon Grayson and Josh Warrington.Martin Hywood with Simon Grayson and Josh Warrington.
Martin Hywood with Simon Grayson and Josh Warrington.

Martin Hywood suffers from muscular dystrophy, which means he cannot take more than a few steps without feeling discomfort.

Yet he has still set himself a target of walking individual miles to, or at, 14 of the country’s top sporting events or venues in 2016.

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With 11 of the challenges completed, the 42-year-old has raised nearly £8,000 for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

And one of the most recent walks – to the Headingley home of Leeds Rhinos before their match against Widnes Vikings – saw him joined by former United manager Simon Grayson and Leeds boxing champ Josh Warrington.

Actor and United fan Ralph Ineson, meanwhile, turned out for another walk, this time to Wimbledon.

Martin, from Buckinghamshire, said: “The support I have been getting has been incredible.

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“I appreciate the backing I have had from everyone who has joined me on the walks.

“Jamie Jones-Buchanan at the Rhinos was fantastic as well, he was a massive help when he got to hear about my story.

“My next mile isn’t until the end of August and I’m quite relieved about that, as I have been in a lot of pain.”

Martin’s final challenge of the year will see him walking a mile to the Billy Bremner statue at Elland Road ahead of United’s match against Huddersfield Town in September.

To support the fundraising, visit www.justgiving.com/Martin-Hywood3.