Superfans Harry and Leighton get on bike to help Sandgrounders
TWO young Southport FC superfans are taking on a 12-mile cycling fundraiser after hearing the club was facing money problems.
With teams in the National League North currently unable to admit fans into matches, the Yellows face a loss of cash which will put a massive hole in their budget.
And when nine-year-old Harry Cottam heard his beloved team could be forced to stop playing, he decided to step in and help raise some much needed cash.
The St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School pupil is now planning to cycle around the Pure Stadium 50 times to help raise funds for the club.
He will be joined by 10-year-old cousin Leighton Hock to take on the challenge during half-term and the pair have already raised more than £1,000.
Harry’s mum Lisa said: “After lockdown, they were supposed to be able to go watch matches but obviously they can’t now. He was worried Southport would go out of business so wanted to do something to help.
“He’s been riding his bike a lot during lockdown and rides to school so we thought that could be a good way to raise money.”
Football fanatic Harry has twice been mascot at Southport and together with Leighton is also sponsoring their favourite player Jack Sampson for the current season.
The boys have both been season ticket holders over the past fews years and also play for the club’s junior sides. They attend matches with their proud grandad
Craig Bromilow, son of former Southport player George.
Over a five year period in the 1950s, George scored 37 goals for the club and is one of only three amateurs to top the scoring charts of any Football League club since 1919. He also represented Great Britain in the 1956 Olympics and went on to enjoy a career as a PE teacher at Meols Cop High School.
Lisa said: “It is Harry’s dream to follow in his footsteps, so when he heard about the financial struggle that Southport will be put under due to Covid-19 he decided to try and help.
“Harry will be doing a sponsored bike ride around the club at Haig Avenue. He will be circling the pitch 50 times, which is approximately 12 miles.”