Former Reds Join in Walk to Raise Money for Foundation

Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

The proceeds will benefit a foundation established by former Red Stephen Darby who was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease.

Liverpool’s famed motto of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is often held up as being a guiding principle for the club and its fans. It is idealistic, sure, and there are many, many times in which it doesn’t always play out as well as one would hope. However, in this particular instance, it is thankfully working out to be quite literal.

Currently, footballers and fans are joining former Red Stephen Darby in walking a 170 mile route to raise funds and awareness for Motor Neuron Disease. Darby retired from football earlier this year after receiving a diagnosis for MND. He has since established a foundation to raise awareness for the disease and the event happening, billed as Steps 4 Stephen, has already raised quite a lot of support.

In fact, Jurgen Klopp, James Milner, and Steven Gerrard have all provided messages of support and encouragement for the event.

A special message from the boss and @JamesMilner, for a special cause ✨#Steps4Stephen

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 27, 2019

What is particularly heartwarming about this particular episode is that it well and truly does encapsulate the entire spirit of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” First, Darby wasn’t a Red for very long; his career spanned 2008-2012 with only six official appearances in a Red shirt. But the club and its legends have backed him in his effort to raise awareness for MND.

What’s more, the symbolism of this action being a walk and knowing that former Reds like Neil Mellor and Dominic Matteo are also participating in physically walking at least some portion of the trek ensure that Darby is not, in fact, walking alone on this journey. His Red family are physically and spiritually with him.

If you are interested in learning more about the Darby Rimmer Foundation, you can visit their social media feed here. And if you’d like to donate directly to the walk, you can visit their crowdfunding link here.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com