A SOCCER superfan has raised more than £17,000 by taking on the ultimate football challenge to visit all 92 league clubs in 12 days.

Spurs fanatic Chris Cowlin, 37, who runs Apex Publishing in Great Clacton, drove to each ground before running around the stadium to raise cash for The Willow Foundation charity.

His challenge started at Wembley Stadium – the temporary home of Tottenham Hotspurs - on June 4 and ended at Colchester United on Friday.

He clocked up almost 3,500 car miles and ran about 78 miles to raise cash for the charity which was founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson in memory of daughter Anna and which provides special days out for seriously ill young adults.

Chris, who smashed his original target of £1,500, said: “It was a difficult challenge, one day I started at 6am and got back to my room at midnight.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but it was worth every second of tiredness to raise that kind of money.

“If the challenge was easy, then it wouldn’t be a challenge. I had to push myself and found it very hard at times.

“I have read many times that people have visited the 92, but it’s usually a team of people who do it together.

“I wanted to do this on my own as I like to go at a fast pace and just get going, I didn’t stop and I couldn’t have done it any quicker.

“I didn’t even stop for dinner for three days running, I just had it in my mind to get the challenge completed.

“It puts a huge smile on my face knowing the amount of money raised will go towards many special days and will put smiles on people’s faces who really need it during difficult times in their lives.”

Gazette:

  • Chris Cowlin at Old Trafford, Manchester

Bob Wilson, founder of the charity, has said that Chris’ fundraising will go a long way to helping sick adults and their families.

“As Chris was running each of those miles, I hope it spurred him on to know that he’s helping so many young adults and their families during such a difficult time of their lives,” he said.

“The charity relies entirely on donations from generous individuals and organisations, so we simply could not help those in need without people like Chris.”

Chris said he was touched by the support and hospitality he received from the football fans and the public, as well as the football clubs he visited.

“The support I received from everyone was amazing, I am overwhelmed by the help, support and donations I received, I cannot thank people enough,” he added.

“The football community got behind me and supported the challenge, many football fans even joined me for the run around their pitch or ground. It was so nice to see and meet many people at each ground.

“Some grounds welcoming me in like I was one of their own, like one of the family.

“I actually completed 93 stadiums, as I also ran around the new Spurs stadium.

“The challenge wouldn’t have felt complete without fitting that one in as well.

“I would love to run inside the stadium once its complete.”

To donate, go to justgiving.com/92stadiums12days.