Host of Palace legends confirmed for Marathon March
Former Crystal Palace players Andrew Johnson, Eddie McGoldrick and Sasa Curcic are among those to confirm their attendance at the Palace for Life Foundation Marathon March this October.
With 100 days to go until the sponsored 26.2 mile walk across London on Saturday 13 October, over 70 Palace fans and supporters have now pledged to take part and raise money to support vulnerable young south Londoners and help turn their lives around.
Last year, Palace Chairman Steve Parish walked alongside fans for the final five miles of the route, which starts at Selhurst Park and ends in Trafalgar Square, and he has encouraged the fan base to come together for the charitable cause once again.
“I have seen first-hand the amazing work the Foundation does to inspire young people to make genuine, long lasting changes to their lives. In 2017, I was inspired to see so many Palace fans come together for the Marathon March in support of the Foundation’s work and I would encourage everyone to sign up again this year. The Marathon March is a really unique way for south Londoners to support the Foundation and raise vital funds to help the community.”
In 2017 the inaugural Marathon March raised over £67,000 to support the Foundation’s work in the communities around Selhurst Park. The Foundation has used the additional investment to help in a number of areas, including: launching the Healthy Eagles campaign to improve the health and wellbeing of young people and their families, starting a programme that aims to reduce youth violence, working with a local organisation that provides opportunities for young refugees and asylum seekers and hosting an FA talent day for young footballers with a disability.
The Foundation has also continued to support individuals like former drug runner Precieux, who turned his life around through sport and now mentors other youngsters in need of help.
Foundation Patron Andrew Johnson, who scored 85 times for Palace during his career, joined the Marathon March in 2017 and will be back in October.
He said: “The Marathon March was a truly great experience last year – it was fantastic to meet so many passionate Palace fans wanting to make a difference in south London and support their community. I didn’t hesitate to sign up again this year and I’m already looking forward to meeting everyone along the way.”
Eddie McGoldrick, who made 147 appearances for Palace and now runs a football academy on behalf of the Foundation, added: “I support the Marathon March because it’s open to anyone – it’s such a great way to get our local community involved in caring about our young people.”
The Marathon March is a non-competitive, social event where the primary aim is to raise money for Palace for Life Foundation. All participants are asked to register for £25 and commit to raising a minimum of £300 each in sponsorship and all those that do will see their name printed in the Palace match-day programme and on the Palace for Life website.
Sasa Curcic, who recently played in the charity Play at Palace match which raised over £12,000 for the Foundation, has also offered his support.
He said: “The work the Foundation does in getting young people active and healthy in south London is so important. I’m passionate about the work they do, which is why I’ll be there on the day supporting the Marathon March. I hope we’re able to raise a lot of money for this great cause.”
Sign up here: https://palaceforlife-marathonmarch2018.eventbrite.co.uk
To find out more information about the March or if you are interested in organising your own fundraising event, get in touch with adeleatiyah@palaceforlife.org or on 07523 515 708.