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Ramsbottom coach raising money for tragic Ross
10:00pm Wednesday 30th April 2008
A FOOTBALL coach is in training himself as he prepares to take part in the Great Manchester Run in memory of a young player who died from cancer.
Andy Spence, assistant manager of Brandlesholme Warriors under 10s, is used to putting youngsters through their paces but now he has to train himself as he prepares for the 10k run.
He is to take part in the event in Manchester city centre on May 18 in memory of keen footballer and former Warriors player Ross Walsh.
Ross, son of Mark and Jane Walsh, of Strathmore Close, Ramsbottom, died from a brain tumour in March. He was ten years old.
Sales rep Andy (44), of Cheviot Close, Ramsbottom, is to use his place in the Great Manchester Run to raise funds for Derian House - the hospice in Chorley where Ross spent the last days of his life.
Andy's own sons - Daniel (nine) and Nathan (six) - play with the Warriors.
Daniel played alongside Ross in the under 10s team last season, and against him when Ross played for Bolton's Ladybridge Athletic before moving to Ramsbottom.
"Ross was a great team member," Andy said.
"He was only with the team for 18 months after leaving Ladybridge but he made a big impression.
"He loved his football and his bravery was an inspiration."
Despite having a junior football team to keep him on his toes, Andy has some concerns about his level of fitness so he plans to train hard over the next two weeks.
He said: "I've not run more than a mile in 25 years so this is going to be a personal challenge for me.
"I'm struggling because I'm carrying too much weight but I'm reasonably confident that I can get there."
Andy has so far raised £400 sponsorship to add to the £4,045 already raised for Derian House through collections held in Ross Walsh's memory.
He said: "Ross's parents Mark and Jane both said that the support they got at Derian House was fantastic.
"It seems like the staff there made a huge difference and really helped Ross and his family to cope.
Readers can make donations online at justgiving.com/andyspence8
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