Kitman's trek for Burns Unit Appeal (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Graham Duckworth to walk from Valley Parade to Lincoln's Sincil Bank ground

10:20am Friday 12th November 2010 in News By James Rush

Bradford City’s assistant kit manager is to walk the 73 miles between Valley Parade and Lincoln City’s Sincil Bank ground for charity.

Graham Duckworth hopes to complete the walk in less than 24 hours for the New Year’s Day match between the clubs to raise more cash for the Bradford City Burns Unit Appeal.

He will set out on New Year’s Eve and aims to arrive at the ground in time for kick-off.

Bradford City were playing Lincoln at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985, when the fire disaster occurred, leaving 56 dead and more than 190 people badly-injured. Mr Duckworth said: “The Burns Unit is something that is close to my heart.”

He said he was doing the walk now as he believes City will gain promotion and will not meet Lincoln City again for some time.

In preparation for the walk the 54-year-old, who has worked at the club for the last six years, is walking at least ten miles a day with more at the weekend.

He said: “I’m a confident person, so I have got to do it. I just don’t like failure.

“It’s for a good cause, so even if the game is off, I will still be doing the walk.”

The Burns Unit Appeal, backed by the Telegraph & Argus, has raised in excess of its £100,000 target to employ two researchers at Bradford University.

Mr Duckworth has set himself a target of more than £5,000. To sponsor him go to justgiving.com/lincolnwalk.

Anybody interested in promoting the walk can call (01274) 773355 or e-mail bradfordcityfc@compuserve.com