Pools walk was a roaring success

Peterlee and District Lions joined forces with Hartlepool United to organise a sponsored three-mile walk from the Hearts of Oak pub in Peterlee and around the nearby Castle Eden Dene.

The walk took place in May and the Lions have just handed over the £2,675.50 proceeds to Hartlepool & District Hospice.

This is the third time that the Lions have raised money for the Wells Avenue-based hospice through the walk, and they raised £1,750 the first year and £2,000 last year.

Lions founder member and walk co-ordinator Tommy Miller, dad of Pools player Tommy Miller junior, who took part, said: “It was a big help having the former Hartlepool players there.

“We had 73 people taking part, including about 15 past and current Pools players, and they said they would do it again.

“A lot made it a family day – Mark Tinkler brought his wife and two kids along. We are determined we will raise even more money on next year’s walk.”

Other players included Antony Sweeney, John Brackstone and his wife – who gave birth a week later – Graeme Lee and Brian Honour.

Hospice community fundraiser Janice Forbes said: “I’d like to thank Tommy and the Peterlee and District Lions for organising the fun walk.

“It was great to see some of the current and old former Pools players taking part. We are already looking forward to next year’s walk, on May 16.”

The very first Lions walk, four years ago, raised £1,500 for the Great North Air Ambulance.