Over £27,000 has been raised for young people with Down's syndrome after hundreds of Charlton fans and club staff took part in this year's charity Upbeats Walk, raising a record amount of money.
The project has been described by one mother who's part of the programme as a 'lifeline for us and our family," and another said they were "blown away" by this year's fundraising efforts, despite the coronavirus lockdown.
Over 200 supporters of Charlton Athletic took to their gardens, streets and local parks to walk a socially distanced mile for this year's Upbeats fundraiser.
Addicks manager Lee Bowyer, club staff and former players also took part, and together they helped smash the £10,000 target set.
All funds are going towards the club's Upbeat programme, funding weekly training sessions, kit, travel and other costs for young people and adults with Down's syndrome.
In normal times, the event takes place on a Charlton matchday, but despite an unusual format fans still managed to raise a record £27,000.
After hearing how much was raised, gaffer Lee Bowyer said: "That’s our club from start to finish.
"We know how to stay together and look after each other and our community trust in my eyes is the best in the country.
“Our fans know when to step forward and help out, so we’re really grateful that they’ve raised that much. That’s great to hear how much has been donated.”
Tori Goldstone, mother of Upbeat Perry, said: “The Upbeats has been a lifeline for us as a family; what it has helped my son achieve has been equalled by the support and friendship of the families.
“Thank you to everyone who took part or donated – the difference this project makes is beyond words.”
The programme is entirely funded by voluntary donations, and has been running for 12 years.
Carl Krauhaus, CACT’s Head of Early Help & Prevention, said: “It was important to us all to ensure we still shone a light on the Upbeats even though our normal approach had to be adapted. It was simply amazing the support that the project got during last week and on Saturday when so many people got behind the initiative in so many creative and fun ways.
“All the donations made are very much appreciated and I know the Upbeats and their families were blown away by the messages of support for them all. We are looking forward to getting the Upbeats community back together soon, and having the funds to run some special trips for the group is all down to the project’s fantastic supporters”.
There’s still time to donate to the project online.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here