A family of Evertonians from Fareham, Hampshire will embark on a 250-mile trip to Merseyside to take part in Sunday’s 'If You Know Your History' 5K run.
The Everton-themed run will raise funds for the People’s Place – Everton in the Community's fundraising campaign to build and develop a purpose-built mental health facility close to Goodison Park to support anyone in times of need. The 5k route will take in a host of landmarks central to the Club's history before finishing outside the Sir Philip Carter Park Stand at Goodison.
Lifelong Blue Andy Barton, originally from Preston, will make the four-and-a-half-hour journey up from Fareham on Saturday evening to take part in the run.
>>>THERE IS STILL TIME TO ENTER. CLICK HERE TO TAKE PART IN THE IF YOU KNOW YOUR HISTORY 5K<<<
He will be joined on the start line by wife Ginny and his youngest sons, 15-year-old Joseph and 10-year-old Freddie.
“Being an Evertonian isn’t just about the 90 minutes on a Saturday,” said Andy (pictured below, third from left).
“Campaigns like the People’s Place have a real mark on the community. It is a great cause.
“All of us are really looking forward to it – seeing all those historical Everton sites in one day will be brilliant for the kids.
“We’re about as far down on the south coast as you can get in Fareham. It’s a long journey up to Merseyside but it is something we are very passionate about.
“The link between the run and raising funds for a dedicated mental health facility is important, too.
“I’ve been running for about 12 months and just the feeling of being outside, running, socialising... it is great for your mind. It really pays dividends.”
Andy Barton, third left, is travelling from Hampshire with his family to take part in the If You Know Your History 5k
Everton legends Joe Royle and Duncan Ferguson will also start Sunday's run, which begins at Prince Rupert’s Lock-Up Tower.
Andy revealed how the pair’s presence will carry extra meaning for his family.
“The week I met my wife was when I went to watch us win the Charity Shield at Wembley in 1995,” he said.
“Joe Royle was the manager, of course, while Duncan was an icon of that era.
“Them being there is going to make it even more special.”
>>>THERE IS STILL TIME TO ENTER. CLICK HERE TO TAKE PART IN THE IF YOU KNOW YOUR HISTORY 5K<<<
Entry to the 'If You Know Your History' 5k - which is open to both runners and walkers - costs £20 and includes race participation, a commemorative T-shirt and finisher’s medal.
Competitors are encouraged to fundraise with all money going to The People’s Place, which will see EitC develop a delivery site for the charity’s existing mental health programmes and enable signposting to other services.
Anyone who raises more than £50 for The People’s Place will be entered into a prize draw to win a pair of Goodison Park stadium tour tickets or a signed Everton shirt.
You can set up your fundraising page today by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/peoplesplace and clicking ‘start fundraising’.
Alternatively, support Jackson and donate to The People's Place project here.
Click here to enter the If You Know Your History 5k run.
