Fans raise £1,600 for Folkestone Invicta

On Saturday 3rd February 2007, up to twenty willing supporters of Folkestone Invicta Football Club took part in a Sponsored Walk to raise funds for the Folkestone Invicta Supporters Club, writes Sam Jones.

The walk was a huge success, with over £1,600 being raised by walkers, sponsors, and the generous public of Hythe, Sandgate, Seabrook and Folkestone who donated to our cause whilst we were en-route to the Buzzlines Stadium.

The walk began at Hythe Town’s Reachfields Stadium, where we were blessed with sunny skies on what was quite possibly the best day of the New Year weather-wise.

All walkers arrived in high spirits, with the general theme of clothing being anything amber and black – be it replica shirts, t-shirts, scarves, jackets or even jester hats!

After plenty of smiling for the camera of Lawrence Arnold, we set off at 10am for another photo, this time at the office of main sponsor Buzzlines.

Folkestone Invicta fans pose for the cameras in front of the offices of their
main club sponsor Buzzlines Travel
Photographs and article courtesy of www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk


We then headed along the seafront, on a delightful day in which sunglasses were a handy accessory to have, numerous passers-by asking more about our cause, and donating generously to our bucket which was carried for the whole seven miles by Ian Mackay – who a special mention must go to for preparing the specially-designed bucket and volunteering for that tiresome task!

Some walkers joined up with the starting group at the start of Princes Parade, where we were also joined by a special guest – Dave the Dolphin, jumping clearly out of the water on many occasions to please the walkers, some of whom had never witnessed this.

More support from the public followed as we walked towards Sandgate Hill, towards Folkestone town centre as originally stated.

However, there was a change of plan as we got to the Metropole Gallery as we entered Folkestone.

This was at approximately 11.30am, and we headed towards the Leas, in search of the sunshine which we had been so lucky to have had all morning.

After a brief stop at the top of the Road of Remembrance, to regroup and have a two-minute rest, we headed towards the precinct and Guildhall Street, making plenty of noise and again, receiving plenty of questions and support from the general public.

Our party then headed along Guildhall Street, up beside Radnor Park and along Cheriton Road to the Buzzlines Stadium.

I am pleased to announce that all walk participants completed the walk, in a very good time of approximately two and a half hours!

Upon our arrival in Stripes, both myself and Paul Sly, who organised the event together following its’ initial mention at the Supporters Club EGM last year, all sponsor cards were signed as proof of completion.

All walkers were in good spirits and this showed in the atmosphere within Stripes whilst the total amounts were worked out.

Initial totals showed around £1,500, which in itself is a lot more than had been hoped for. This total has since risen to just over £1,600, with some walkers pledging money to the cause since they handed in their original sponsor forms.

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We were catered for by Jane Smith ,who provided a mouth-watering dish of pasta which I can say was absolutely gorgeous!

Several of the Club’s Director’s have expressed their admiration for the fans’ achievement. First team manager Neil Cugley also expressed how well we had done.

“They’ve done brilliantly, I’m glad we gave them a win as some reward for their efforts” he said. Of course, Neil is referring to our 3-1 win over Ashford Town (Middlesx) in which first half goals from Ellis Remy, Damian Abel, and Kevin Watson were more than enough to see Invicta home.

Supporters Club Chairman Clive Arnold added: “All the money raised will go towards the playing side. It was a tremendous effort by all concerned and what made it especially pleasing were all the new faces taking part.”

On behalf of the individuals within the Football Club, Supporters Club, myself and Paul, I would like to thank all walkers, sponsors, promoters of the walk, and those who donated along the route for helping Folkestone Invicta Football Club, and helping to make this event a success!

Visit Folkestone Invicta’s website: www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk