Fundraiser Barry is joined by first-team stars for charity walk | OneFootball

Leeds United supporter Barry Lakin has completed another incredible walking challenge all in aid of the Leeds United Foundation to raise vital funds for the dementia programme in memory of his mother.

Last year, the programme seller and well-known fan completed a mammoth 60,000 step challenge, walking laps around Elland Road stadium, and this year he set his heart once again on raising even more money through a new grueling and intense challenge, walking from Elland Road to Thorp Arch and back again.

The Foundation’s work around health and wellbeing sits very close to Barry’s heart, as his mother sadly passed away from dementia in 2024. To help give back and support the incredible work being done by the club's official charity, Barry set himself this 36-mile challenge to be taken on alongside members of Leeds United club and Foundation staff.

Upon his arrival to Thorp Arch on the day of his challenge, Barry was greeted by first-team players Jack Harrison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and familiar faces from last year’s challenge Sam Byram and Alex Cairns, who accompanied him for a walk around one of the pitches to learn more about his fundraising.

During their walk at Thorp Arch, Alex Cairns praised Barry’s dedication: “Having someone like you (Barry) at the football club is massive, because it brings not just the players and yourself together, but everyone together.

“Everyone can see what you’re doing and appreciate what you’re doing, and we can’t thank you enough for it.”

Simon Wood, Health and Wellbeing Lead at the Foundation said: “We meet a lot of people through the Foundation and Barry is one of those people that you meet and see is really inspirational.

“Barry came on one of our programmes a number of years ago, and since then he’s just wanted to give back, and part of his main reason for doing this walk is his own personal experiences with his mum, and we are incredibly grateful for his support of the Corner Flag Café.

"Barry is an infectious character, and it's these sorts of characters that make football clubs, so we’re really proud to share in this with him today.”

Upon finishing his 36-mile challenge, Barry expressed his thanks for the support, and gave his thoughts on his journey: “It’s the support I’ve had around me that’s kept me going.

“After my mum passed away last year, I thought, ‘what can I give back to the Foundation?’ and when I learned about the dementia group and the Corner Flag Café I thought, let me do something to support the cause. It’s been a godsend, and it’s like remembering my mum as well as helping the foundation.

“Having the lads come out and have a chat shows that they’re appreciating the people going out and doing things for fundraising, they understand that you’re trying to help the Foundation as well.

“It’s my 50th year selling programmes next year, so yes, there will be another challenge next year for the Corner Flag Café.”

Ahead of the game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday 4th October, the Foundation will be conducting a bucket collection to raise additional funds for the cause, starting around 11am.

Fans can also visit the following link to support Barry’s fundraising efforts: https://gofund.me/31e6299d