WHETHER it is regular four-figure crowds or the raising of funds for vital ground improvements, “fan power” has been extremely prevalent at Warrington Town Football Club this season.

And one particular group of supporters will be putting themselves through the pain barrier to help the club out in their hour of need.

Next month, around 30 Yellows fans will be walking 40 miles through the night in a sponsored trek to raise funds for the club’s Groundfunder appeal, which is helping the club pay for the upgrades to their Cantilever Park home that are necessary for remaining in the National League North.

They will set out on the evening of Friday, March 1, and aim to have completed their arduous journey in time to cheer their side on when Bishop’s Stortford visit Cantilever Park the following day.

Organiser Jason Laybourne says the response from supporters wanting to get involved in any capacity has been incredible, with one supporter – Gunnar Høgset – even flying in from Norway to take part.

“The idea for the walk came from a mate, Rich Kynaston – he suggested it because a mate of his had done this 40-mile loop around Warrington and he thought it would be a good idea to do this for sponsorship to raise money for the ground,” Jason said.

“I put something out on social media and weve ended up with about 30 people who are really keen to get involved, either through walking or supporting in cars.

“Incredibly, we've even got a guy and his girlfriend flying over from Norway to take part.

“We've had a few combined training walks over the last few weekends and people have been putting in their own miles as well.

“The ones so far have been a great chance to meet other Town fans who I've never really spoken to before.

“You get to do a lot of chatting during a 20-mile practice walk – it's been great meeting everyone so far.”

Warrington Guardian:

A final group practice walk is planned for next Saturday before Yellows’ home game against Brackley Town before the real thing.

Their route will take them out towards Altrincham before they turn back and head out to Spike Island, all through the early hours of the morning.

They will then walk back to Cantilever Park for a final six-mile loop around the town before arriving back at the ground before kick off against Bishop’s Stortford.

A fundraising page has been set up to receive donations, with a target of £3,000 set – CLICK HERE TO DONATE

The Yellows Groundfunder appeal has raised around £23,000 thus far, with Town needing to complete the upgrades by the end of March to avoid being relegated back to the Northern Premier League.

> Click here for an in-depth update from chairman Toby Macormac about the work’s progress