Shrimps’ Programme Editor Derek Quinn is set to complete his gruelling journey to walk one million steps in 31 days at Saturday’s game against Sunderland AFC.
Derek, who has served the Club in various roles for almost 30 years, took on the challenge to walk the steps, which amount to roughly 500 miles, in March to raise money for a memorial garden at the Mazuma Stadium.
Unfortunately a fall a few days into the challenge ended with Derek breaking both wrists that required surgery in Tenerife.
The wrists may have been broken but the accident didn’t break his spirit and he changed the challenge to complete the one million steps in 31 days, a feat that will conclude just before the Shrimps’ end of season clash.
Derek said: “The memorial garden project is something that I have wanted to help with ever since the idea was first mentioned by the Shrimps Trust and Rod Taylor a few years ago.
“With Covid and other issues that at times threatened the Club’s very existence over the years, there never really seemed a right time.
“But things are thankfully much more stable now and I was in the rare position in March of having four weeks off work due to starting a new role and having lots of time owed to me, so decided to come up with the one million step challenge.
“All was going well until I broke both wrists which was an absolute nightmare and made me re-think things, making sure I covered the distance on 31 days which I will complete on Saturday.’’
He added: “The support has been incredible and when I received a donation of £225 on Sunday night to take the money raised to £2,000 on Just Giving I have to admit I was a bit emotional.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for their support, it has meant so much and kept me going whenever I had a thought of quitting.’’
With cash donations and pledges also received, Derek would love to raise £4,000 and is urging Shrimps’ fans to support a collection at Saturday’s game against Sunderland.
He said: “I will complete the challenge just before the game against Sunderland and will be walking around the stadium prior to kick-off. There will be a group of people helping raise money with a bucket collection. If everyone donates even a small amount of loose change it will make a massive difference and I will be really grateful.
“It is for a great cause which will hopefully be a place for people to remember their loved ones for many years to come.’’
Please support Derek on Saturday or if you cannot make the game please go to his Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/quinnysonemillionstepchallenge.