Hughie & Freddie’s 100k Football Ground Challenge!

In the 50 days running up to Christmas 2020, a nine year old Freddie Xavi ran 2k every day to raise over £200,000 for children suffering from cancer such as his best friend Hughie. Hughie suffers from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), and Freddie’s effort inspired them both to continue their efforts and help more children in the shape of a 100km Football Ground Challenge.

Together the pair endeavour to run 1km in 100 stadiums across the UK, culminating in a grand finale at Wembley Stadium. After conquering Turf Moor in Burnley, Banks’ Stadium in Walsall and St Andrew’s in Birmingham, stop number four was the University of Bolton Stadium. All proceeds raised from each stadium are donated to the nearest children’s hospital’s cancer ward, for Bolton this was the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

In what was a spectacular day both on and off the pitch, the boys were treated to a meal, a 6 nil trouncing of Sunderland and a plethora of special guests. Guests included BWFC Chairperson Sharon Brittan, Lofty the Lion but most the notable encounter probably being Bolton local Paddy McGuinness, as not only did he have a catch up with the lads after their victory at the Pride of Britain Awards, he did in fact run both laps of the pitch with them to rapturous applause. In just a single Saturday the lads managed to raise over a whopping £1000 to add to a £180,000 total.

I’m sure we speak for everyone as we congratulate Hughie & Freddie and wish them the very best of luck on their inspirational adventure!

If you’d like to donate to Hughie and Freddie’s cause please use the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/freddie-xavi

You can also keep up with the boys on social media through the following accounts:

Twitter: @sarahronnan

Instagram: @hughieandfreddie