Boro are set to take 9,500 fans to Old Trafford in the FA Cup this Friday – and one Riverside regular is hoping to match the travelling army pound for pound. Claire Streeter along with two of her friends, Alice Hutchinson and Abbey Lyle, are attempting to walk 106-miles from the Riverside to Old Trafford raising money for MFC Foundation to create a Dementia Hub at the Riverside Stadium.
They were all set to leave on Saturday morning but realised they didn’t have anywhere to stay. Up stepped Dale Smith MD of Host & Stay who kindly donated the accommodation for the 3 girls during this huge challenge.
Dale explained why he wanted to get involved: “I have been working with MFC Foundation for the past 12 months and as a local business we are inspired at the continued work they deliver to the most vulnerable within our communities.” He continued “I was approached by Paul Shepherd the BDM for MFC Foundation and asked if I could help out with an overnight stay for the first day. Having then looked at the route we were able to provide accommodation for the team for the whole week.”
Paul Shepherd, Business Development Manager for MFC Foundation said: “Dale and his team have been working closely with MFC Foundation throughout this season and their support has been fantastic. They were already huge supporters of our work and this is just another example of their generosity.”
Claire worked with the Foundation for six years before joining the EFL Trust, and is hoping her walking challenge will raise vital funds for the Foundation’s work with people living with dementia across the Teesside region.
Claire said: – “I decided to do the walk as I wanted to help make a difference to the people of Teesside who are currently living with Dementia. “She continued “It was a spur of the moment thing once we saw the draw for the 4th Round and we literally pulled everything together overnight.” I want to say a huge thank you to Dale Smith from Host & Stay who as a Friend of the Foundation stepped in and provided accommodation for us at such short notice, he and his team have been fantastic sourcing some outstanding places to stay along our route.”
We are asking all Boro fans to support Claire’s team by donating just £1 to help her reach the target of £10,000 to donate to MFC Foundation allowing them to continue their work with people living with Dementia. Their aim is to create a Dementia Hub at the heart of the community (The Riverside Stadium) providing multi stimulation appropriate for people living with Dementia (in particular mid and late stages).
If you would like to support Claire and her team by donating please click here.