Group gear up for 150 mile walk in memory of Ryan Taylor

Date published: 26 April 2016


Five Rochdale men are gearing up for an epic 150 mile walk to raise money in memory of Ryan Taylor, who died after falling 140ft from the Rakewood Viaduct on the M62 in 2012.

The group, who have called themselves the RKT Walking Wickets, are raising funds for the RKT Trust which was set up after Ryan’s death and dedicated itself to raising money. They will take on the huge challenge of 25 miles a day, from Old Trafford to Nottingham and back north where they will meet at Milnrow Cricket Club.

The men have a collective target of £1,000 and are hoping that more generous donations will come in before the walk in June.

One of the walkers, Robert Wilman said: “We are a group of five friends with very close links to the RKT Trust and we are all members of Milnrow Cricket Club.

“I for one have never done anything like this so I know there is a huge challenge that lies ahead, but it is for a good cause and I think together the five of us can help each other to reach our target.

“We are looking at about 25 miles per day, starting at Lancashire's ground, Old Trafford as we have already made a link with the Lancashire County Cricket Club Foundation.

“When we arrive at Trent Bridge we will watch the One Day International between England and Sri Lanka. The walk back to Milnrow Cricket Club brings close links with the lads involved as all are involved with the cricket club.”

The RKT Trust Fund was established in early 2013 following the tragic death of Ryan Taylor in October 2012. Ryan was a popular young man loved by family and his many friends and it is these people who have got together to found The RKT Trust Fund.

The aim of the fund is to raise money for young people’s charities and projects within the North West.

Robert Wilman added: “These events are fantastic as they not only raise lots of money but they also bring the community together. The money raised from the RKT trust events go towards local charities in the Rochdale area and aim to improve the lives of young people within our community. Some of the projects the trust has been involved in include the skate park in Milnrow Park, the children’s play area at Milnrow Cricket Club, along with Ryan’s Den at Rochdale Children's Moorland Home.”

To donate visit:

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/rktwalkingwickets

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