By Rich
December 12 2002

The first 'Saints with Heart' walk took place on Saturday 7th December and followed a circular 6-mile route from Franklin's Gardens out through Kislingbury and back again. The event has raised in excess of £3000 for the British Heart Foundation. For those of you that don't know the history, the 'Saints with Heart' charity walk started life as an idea on the COYSDC messageboard following the heart attacks to message boarders Bleach, Saintsby and West Midlands Saint (real names Robert Leach, Bob Stainsby and Mark Coleman.) all occurring in the last six months. Thankfully all three are in recovery and two of them were able to participate on Saturday.

Around 30 walkers gathered at 10.30 on the back pitch car park. Jayne Knights from the British Heart Foundation handed out balloons, whilst the lovely Bump bump baby bump (my wife Lee) took cheques and cash for the t-shirts and noted the estimated sponsor money. Oxford Saint (Ian Walton) handed out the excellent t-shirts that he'd designed. Sian Haynes met us before we set off and brought two players with her for the pre-walk photo. She had said that top players might not be available so imagine my delight when she arrived with Mattie Stewart and Peter Jorgenson.

To the walk...

We set off at 11am. I'd tested the route for the second time just 24 hours earlier and I knew it was muddy. What I wasn't prepared for was the decision to take the mountaineering route. Luckily all made it down the muddy outcrop safely and Ajack thought his altitude sickness was improving with every downward step.


The stars of the walk were undoubtedly the Mighty Young Joe and equally mighty Holly. It may have only been six miles to us growed ups but for the be-wellied duo it was a zillion puddles! Joe got in such a state that B4 had to buy him a new coat.

Around a third of the way around we met West Midlands Saint, his family (Steph and Ben) and B4 at the Cromwell Cottage in Kislingbury. Westie was clearly disappointed not to be walking but it was great to see him appreciating our efforts. After a chat, a healthy snack and soft drink (excellent example set by our Editor!) we set off for the remaining two thirds.

We arrived back at the Gardens in dribs and drabs Maverick bringing up the rear but not too far in front was the Mighty one and me. He'd just fallen face down in a puddle and I had to go into 'full blown Dad mode' to bring him out of his muddy water in the eye trauma. As soon as the 'incident' was dealt with we proceded to take our vengenge on every depression storage available (that's a technical term for a puddle!) First back was Bleach, who judging by the way he covers the ground, has gone a long way towards a full recovery.

The majority of the walkers met up in Heroes bar after the walk. It was great to see happy rosy cheeks all around. Poor Sall looked mortified. She'd missed the walk because of  trouble with her trains. We forgive you Sall. It was also great that so many non-walking message boarders took the time to meet us and make donations to the cause.




What I wasn't prepared for was the reaction of people who probably haven't ever visited Comeonyousaints.com. They were just giving us money. The typical conversation went:
"nice t-shirt mate, what's that about?"
The wearer gave the explanation and this was followed up by....
"Smashing idea, here have a donation!"

Here is the list of people involved and a breakdown of the estimated money raised (If I miss any one out please let me know so that I can correct the list)

Walkers	Rich, The Mighty Young Joe, Christy, Lom, Strongie, Markskaa, Jon Bell, Eric, Mark H, Paul Flatt, Martin Small, Chris the 'Ed, Ajack, Bleach, Barp, Maverick, Air Ben, Jimmy, Binary Bob, Smurf, Smurf's mum, Shaddo, Tim Hoddle, Chris Hoddle, Andrew Hern, Ballagher, Hippo, David Ball, Oxford Saint, Saintsby, Mrs Saintsby and the Mighty Young Holly Saintsby
Est.Sponsor money	£3055
Money from T-shirt Sales	£200
Extra Donations	£70 (I remember Spangles, Biggysaint and Steve 393 in the bar, but there were others.)
Special thanks to:	All the walkers and their sponsors. Sian Haynes, Mattie Stewart and Peter Jorgenson from NSRFC. Jayne Knights from the British Heart Foundation. Stockers and Oxford Saint for sorting the T-shirt. David Ball and Bleach for their help with the route. Mrs Lee Lindsley (B4) for her support and help on the day and for putting up with my anxiety as the event got nearer.

There is still more to come as Sian Haynes has promised us a signed ball to auction off on the site and of course if anyone else reading this wants to make a donation my email address is richard@saints27500.fsnet.co.uk . There are also 6 XL T-shirts left, it will round things off nicely to sell those.

So what next?

Well the walk was a great success and all involved have said they wish to do it all again next year. Hopefully we can turn this into an annual tradition. The whole idea started around 7 weeks ago and in that time we got organised and raised £3000+. So with more time and more planning the whole thing can be bigger and better next year. I propose we look to have it at the start of the season, perhaps the very first home match because the weather should be a bit nicer!

Full Saints with Heart photo gallery

and Finally....

For all you walkers and anyone inspired to send a donation to the BHF, please email me and I'll send out my postal details for those cheques.

Cheers Everyone

RI CH