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Help for Heroes - The Southend Walkers joined by OxVox
01 May 2012
In the days before our fixture with Southend United on 28 April, OxVox had been in touch and supporting our Southend counterparts as they embarked on a fund raising initiative in support of Help for Heroes. Southend's Bob Mays provides his overview. OxVox committee members joined the final stages of the walk to show our solidarity. We then had organised with Tim Rackley of The Priory to welcome our guests to the cheers of both Oxford United and Southend United supporters. Bob Mays and our very own Terry Winter report back with their views and contributions.
The Southend View reported by Bob Mays.
On Wednesday 25th April 2012, Nine (9) Southend United Season Ticket Holders and life long fans left Roots Hall at 8am in possession of a match ball to be delivered to Oxford United. They were to walk to Oxford, a distance of some 120 miles. Cheered on by Mr Ron Martin, Mr Geoffrey King, the Mayor of Southend and friends and family. These fans were Organiser Bob Mays, and friends Paul Redding, Paul Marshall, Simon Mayes, Trevor Bashford, Sam Wilson, Derek Reeves and his son Joe Reeves. Their aim was to raise money for Help for Heroes.
In the safety Bus supplied by Southend United was Julie Marshall and Irene Bashford.
On Day 1 we walked to the Formula 1 Hotel in Barking, a distance of some 33 miles. During our walk a local Southend resident had heard of our walk and drove in search of us and found us as we sought refreshments at the Mayflower Retail Park and handed us a £10 note and cheered our efforts. On route we also took refuge from the weather and were treated to a hot drink by the staff at Alton Garden Centre who also had a whip round and donated us money.
Day 1 rained relentlessly and more rain fell on his day than the whole of April. Needless to say, many started to suffer blisters due to the conditions. We arrived at 8pm. After drying out we ate at Nando’s in Barking.
Would Day 2 be even better? We left Barking at 8am, the weather was dry, and by the time we walked 200 yards, rain fell with a vengeance, the trees bent over under severe wind pressure. We had to walk with our heads down. All we could do was laugh hysterically. We suffered high winds and heavy rainfall all the way to the Tower Hill where we had photographs taken with the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) organised by Jimmy James. We then made our way along the embankment towards Wellington Barracks off Birdcage Walk by the Mall. We were met by Lieutenant Colonel Tim Jalland, we were invited into the Officer’s Mess where we met members of Nijmegen Company, such young men who had already seen active service in Afghanistan. A most uplifting and humble experience for us all. We were served refreshments, had photographs taken and then to the astonishment of the local tourists were given a guard of honour and applauded as we left the Barracks. Each and every one of us agreed that this was an experience never to be forgotten.
We then made our way to Uxbridge, the weather improved slightly with occasional showers. Incredibly fans of Southend had made the journey from Southend to greet us on our arrival at Uxbridge. This was a major morale boosting occasion. We arrived at 47 (Middlesex Yeomanry) Sig Squadron 71st (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment again, at about 8pm where we were met by SQMS Gary Cheshire. Gary had arranged refreshments and warm accommodation for an overnight stay. We had walked some 35 miles this day. It was clear that some walkers were under considerable pain and suffering from feet that had blistered so much they were beginning to bleed such was the rawness of their skin. After treatment, a hot shower and meal, we all slept soundly.
What did Day 3 have in store for us? Yes, more rain. Heavy and continuous downpours, the longest walk of the three days too, some 36 miles. It was cold too. Incredibly morale was high, we all realised we were nearly at an end of our journey. This walk was to be the toughest of all, storms, heavy rain, cold and undulating hills without pavements with water gushing under our feet. Again, as we left West Wycombe, fans of Southend had been searching for us and to our delight invited us in for hot refreshments when most needed. The hardest part of this walk was the stopping to change socks and shoes as bodies were beginning to stiffen up and lose body temperature. Many of the walkers were now suffering from feet damage, many were bleeding. Exhaustion was creeping in. We had to be very aware that weather conditions were so bad that Hypothermia was now a high risk. Bob Mays had been in regular contact with BBC Essex and was monitoring the level of donations being received; face book, text, twitter and Fans websites were proving an inspiration to us all. We finally arrived at Wheatley Hotel at 7.30pm, walkers collapsed in a mixture of exhaustion and elation and broke down in tears, and such was the emotion that we had almost completed such a gruelling journey. Some were so exhausted that they could not even summon the energy to go for a meal.
Day 4 arrived, spirits were bouncing, and we had 6 miles to walk. We were joined by Maurice and Terry, members of Oxvox Supporters Trust who walked with us for the final journey. As we approached Kassam Stadium, to see the amount of fans on the pavement to greet us shouting Blue Army was brilliant. We were walked to the Priory PH Marquee where we were applauded by all the Oxford and Southend fans together.
Bob Mays and Joe Reeves were voted by the Southend team to convey the Help for Heroes Flag onto the pitch and hand the match ball to the referee. They described such a feeling of delight as they walked to the Southend fans that stood up and applauded them.
Our journey now over in conditions not seen for over a hundred years for the month of April and with temperature’s that averaged 6 degrees.
Our initials target to raise five Thousand Pounds has been now reviewed and is expected that this will exceed Twelve Thousand Pounds.
Bob Mays also discovered that our challenge had been followed by Soldiers serving in Afghanistan and donations had been received.
The OxVox view reported by Terry Winter
Maurice and I met up with the team of 11 from Southend at the travel lodge on Saturday to offer our support and join them for the final 6 miles of their 120 mile walk with the match ball on Saturday.
We set off about 1130hrs in windy conditions with a little drizzle as well. To be fair to them they were all in high spirits as this was the final part of a journey that had not be to kind on them weather wise since they had started. They started off with 9 walking members but the first day had taken its toll on one member who had to join the support team in the mini bus due to what was thought to be shin splints. However the others literally carried the flag onwards. On the day two were suffering with severe blisters so were patched up so they could do the final 6 miles.
Maurice took the lead and I walked at the back so we could offer our support to each group. Talking to the walkers of men and female they were all decent people who were passionate about their team. We even agreed on our mutual dislike of the team at the wrong end of the A420. We shared a pleasant walk with the weather being very kind for us on the day. We received a fair few toots from passing drivers offering their appreciation.
I must admit the approach to the stadium took my breathe away as I witnessed the Southend fans making a tunnel for us as we passed the finish line to cheers and lots of rounds of applause. This was a very emotional time for the group and had them in tears. I really did feel for them at this point. But a pleasant surprise was yet to come as we led them towards the Priory pub where our very own yellows fans started to applaud the team walking towards the water hole. Very touching that both sets of supporters showed a respectful appreciation of the 120 mile journey undertaken by this group in honour of Help the Hero's.
As an Ex RAF man myself of 12 years service I duly wanted to reward this fine group and bought them all a drink for their efforts. I could tell we had certainly made some friends down the road at the seaside resort of Southend. I also thought it was fitting that we entered the pitch together as United fans but in reality all the effort had been on the Shrimpers side.
OxVox would like to thank our wonderful supporters who contributed over £600 to the cause at the Priory. Our admiration and congratulations is extended to Southend's Supporters Trust.
01 May 2012
In the days before our fixture with Southend United on 28 April, OxVox had been in touch and supporting our Southend counterparts as they embarked on a fund raising initiative in support of Help for Heroes. Southend's Bob Mays provides his overview. OxVox committee members joined the final stages of the walk to show our solidarity. We then had organised with Tim Rackley of The Priory to welcome our guests to the cheers of both Oxford United and Southend United supporters. Bob Mays and our very own Terry Winter report back with their views and contributions.
The Southend View reported by Bob Mays.
On Wednesday 25th April 2012, Nine (9) Southend United Season Ticket Holders and life long fans left Roots Hall at 8am in possession of a match ball to be delivered to Oxford United. They were to walk to Oxford, a distance of some 120 miles. Cheered on by Mr Ron Martin, Mr Geoffrey King, the Mayor of Southend and friends and family. These fans were Organiser Bob Mays, and friends Paul Redding, Paul Marshall, Simon Mayes, Trevor Bashford, Sam Wilson, Derek Reeves and his son Joe Reeves. Their aim was to raise money for Help for Heroes.
In the safety Bus supplied by Southend United was Julie Marshall and Irene Bashford.
On Day 1 we walked to the Formula 1 Hotel in Barking, a distance of some 33 miles. During our walk a local Southend resident had heard of our walk and drove in search of us and found us as we sought refreshments at the Mayflower Retail Park and handed us a £10 note and cheered our efforts. On route we also took refuge from the weather and were treated to a hot drink by the staff at Alton Garden Centre who also had a whip round and donated us money.
Day 1 rained relentlessly and more rain fell on his day than the whole of April. Needless to say, many started to suffer blisters due to the conditions. We arrived at 8pm. After drying out we ate at Nando’s in Barking.
Would Day 2 be even better? We left Barking at 8am, the weather was dry, and by the time we walked 200 yards, rain fell with a vengeance, the trees bent over under severe wind pressure. We had to walk with our heads down. All we could do was laugh hysterically. We suffered high winds and heavy rainfall all the way to the Tower Hill where we had photographs taken with the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) organised by Jimmy James. We then made our way along the embankment towards Wellington Barracks off Birdcage Walk by the Mall. We were met by Lieutenant Colonel Tim Jalland, we were invited into the Officer’s Mess where we met members of Nijmegen Company, such young men who had already seen active service in Afghanistan. A most uplifting and humble experience for us all. We were served refreshments, had photographs taken and then to the astonishment of the local tourists were given a guard of honour and applauded as we left the Barracks. Each and every one of us agreed that this was an experience never to be forgotten.
We then made our way to Uxbridge, the weather improved slightly with occasional showers. Incredibly fans of Southend had made the journey from Southend to greet us on our arrival at Uxbridge. This was a major morale boosting occasion. We arrived at 47 (Middlesex Yeomanry) Sig Squadron 71st (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment again, at about 8pm where we were met by SQMS Gary Cheshire. Gary had arranged refreshments and warm accommodation for an overnight stay. We had walked some 35 miles this day. It was clear that some walkers were under considerable pain and suffering from feet that had blistered so much they were beginning to bleed such was the rawness of their skin. After treatment, a hot shower and meal, we all slept soundly.
What did Day 3 have in store for us? Yes, more rain. Heavy and continuous downpours, the longest walk of the three days too, some 36 miles. It was cold too. Incredibly morale was high, we all realised we were nearly at an end of our journey. This walk was to be the toughest of all, storms, heavy rain, cold and undulating hills without pavements with water gushing under our feet. Again, as we left West Wycombe, fans of Southend had been searching for us and to our delight invited us in for hot refreshments when most needed. The hardest part of this walk was the stopping to change socks and shoes as bodies were beginning to stiffen up and lose body temperature. Many of the walkers were now suffering from feet damage, many were bleeding. Exhaustion was creeping in. We had to be very aware that weather conditions were so bad that Hypothermia was now a high risk. Bob Mays had been in regular contact with BBC Essex and was monitoring the level of donations being received; face book, text, twitter and Fans websites were proving an inspiration to us all. We finally arrived at Wheatley Hotel at 7.30pm, walkers collapsed in a mixture of exhaustion and elation and broke down in tears, and such was the emotion that we had almost completed such a gruelling journey. Some were so exhausted that they could not even summon the energy to go for a meal.
Day 4 arrived, spirits were bouncing, and we had 6 miles to walk. We were joined by Maurice and Terry, members of Oxvox Supporters Trust who walked with us for the final journey. As we approached Kassam Stadium, to see the amount of fans on the pavement to greet us shouting Blue Army was brilliant. We were walked to the Priory PH Marquee where we were applauded by all the Oxford and Southend fans together.
Bob Mays and Joe Reeves were voted by the Southend team to convey the Help for Heroes Flag onto the pitch and hand the match ball to the referee. They described such a feeling of delight as they walked to the Southend fans that stood up and applauded them.
Our journey now over in conditions not seen for over a hundred years for the month of April and with temperature’s that averaged 6 degrees.
Our initials target to raise five Thousand Pounds has been now reviewed and is expected that this will exceed Twelve Thousand Pounds.
Bob Mays also discovered that our challenge had been followed by Soldiers serving in Afghanistan and donations had been received.
The OxVox view reported by Terry Winter
Maurice and I met up with the team of 11 from Southend at the travel lodge on Saturday to offer our support and join them for the final 6 miles of their 120 mile walk with the match ball on Saturday.
We set off about 1130hrs in windy conditions with a little drizzle as well. To be fair to them they were all in high spirits as this was the final part of a journey that had not be to kind on them weather wise since they had started. They started off with 9 walking members but the first day had taken its toll on one member who had to join the support team in the mini bus due to what was thought to be shin splints. However the others literally carried the flag onwards. On the day two were suffering with severe blisters so were patched up so they could do the final 6 miles.
Maurice took the lead and I walked at the back so we could offer our support to each group. Talking to the walkers of men and female they were all decent people who were passionate about their team. We even agreed on our mutual dislike of the team at the wrong end of the A420. We shared a pleasant walk with the weather being very kind for us on the day. We received a fair few toots from passing drivers offering their appreciation.
I must admit the approach to the stadium took my breathe away as I witnessed the Southend fans making a tunnel for us as we passed the finish line to cheers and lots of rounds of applause. This was a very emotional time for the group and had them in tears. I really did feel for them at this point. But a pleasant surprise was yet to come as we led them towards the Priory pub where our very own yellows fans started to applaud the team walking towards the water hole. Very touching that both sets of supporters showed a respectful appreciation of the 120 mile journey undertaken by this group in honour of Help the Hero's.
As an Ex RAF man myself of 12 years service I duly wanted to reward this fine group and bought them all a drink for their efforts. I could tell we had certainly made some friends down the road at the seaside resort of Southend. I also thought it was fitting that we entered the pitch together as United fans but in reality all the effort had been on the Shrimpers side.
OxVox would like to thank our wonderful supporters who contributed over £600 to the cause at the Priory. Our admiration and congratulations is extended to Southend's Supporters Trust.
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