A group of grassroots football coaches are taking part in a gruelling 28-mile fundraising walk in memory of a much-loved Chesterfield fan.

Glenn Kirkwood, also known as ‘Kirky’, who played for and managed a number of local sides including Matlock Town, sadly passed away, aged 47, in July this year from cancer.

Football coaches from Wingerworth Junior Sports Association, where Mr Kirkwood volunteered, will be trekking from Chesterfield’s SMH Group Stadium to the home of Doncaster Rovers , which is where he started his professional career.

The Spireites and Rovers clash at the Eco-Power Stadium this Saturday at 3pm so this is seen as the ideal opportunity to raise some money for Ashgate Hospice and MacMillan nurses.

The team of volunteers, aged between 24 and 50, will be setting off at midnight and walking the 28-mile route with the aim of being in their seats in the Chesterfield end in time for kick-off.

When they make it to Doncaster, the group say they will raise a ‘well-earned pint’ to their friend and hope that the Spireites can put in a performance against his former team.

Mr Kirkwood was a loyal Chesterfield supporter with season tickets with his wife Kerry and children Jessica and Isaac.

His playing and managerial career took him from Doncaster to being joint-manager at Matlock Town as well as to Ilkeston Town, Burton Albion, Hinckley Town and Worksop Town.

If anyone would like to support these WJSA coaches fundraising for Ashgate Hospice, please DONATE HERE.

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