Press Release

Join the Saints with Hearts walk

11 October 2006

Northampton Borough Council has teamed up with a group of Saints supporters and the British Heart Foundation to promote healthy activities and raise money for good causes. On Saturday 28 October Saints fans will be asked to join a sponsored walk before the match against Border Reivers at Franklins Gardens.

Since 2002 Saints fans have been raising money for charity by taking part in the Saints with Hearts walk. The walk started as a way to raise money after Saints supporters Bob Stainsby, Robert Leach and Mark Coleman all suffered heart attacks within six months of each other. Since the first walk Saints supporters have raised more than £60,000 for good causes through the Saints with Hearts walk.

This year you can join any of the six walks on offer which range from 4 miles to under 17 miles. Money raised will be donated to the British Heart Foundation and to local rugby clubs to develop their junior teams.

There are still spaces available to walkers who are interested in helping to raise money. Application packs are available from the borough council's sports development team. Everyone registering will receive everything they need to help raise money, including sponsorship forms and a SWH5 (Saints with Hearts 5) t-shirt.

Councillor Penny Flavell, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member for local environment said: "This is an opportunity for Saints supporters to get behind their team and raise money for good causes. Exercise is an important part of enjoying a healthy lifestyle and the Saints with Hearts walk is a great way to help yourself while helping others. If you are going to the game then why not join the Saints with Hearts walk."

Northampton Saints Rugby Club Chairman Keith Barwell said: "Having had cardiac surgery in both the local and John Radcliffe hospitals, I appreciate the work done by everyone involved including the British Heart Foundation."

This year once again Keith Barwell's wife Maggie will be the walk’s patron and will be completing one of the walks. The six walks will all finish at Franklins Gardens in time for kick off, but will start from:

Northampton Scouts Rugby Club, Rushmere Road,  walk will begin at 12 midday (approximately 3.75 miles).

Old Northamptonians Rugby Club, Billing Road, walk will begin at 11am (approximately 4 miles).

Northampton Casual Rugby Club, Bedford Road, walk will begin at 11am (approximately 4 miles).

Towcester Rugby Club, Greens Norton Road in Towcester, walk will begin at 9.30am (approximately 15 miles).

Wolverton, Wolverton Railway Station, walk will begin at 7am (approximately 17 miles).

Blisworth, start location to be confirmed, walk will begin at 10am (approximately 4 miles).

If you would like to join the sponsored walk and raise money or you are able to volunteer your time to help ensure everyone has a good and safe time please contact Northampton Borough Council sports development officer Chris Rockall on 01604 837774 or email crockall@northampton.gov.uk.