Lutterworth RFC are proud to support Paul Blake, known as Blakey to his friends, who has been a member of Lutterworth RFC since 1973 – prior to that he was a member of the “Jimmies”.

He has enjoyed a 55 year long playing career from his days in the First XV through to the Third Team Development Side in before finally hanging up his boots at the age of 65. He has been an Officer of the Club as long-term Treasurer, and then President for 3 terms, and is currently Honorary Life Member and stalwart supporter.

Blakey celebrated his 80th birthday in July this year and in order to make his birthday meaningful and one to remember, he has set himself a goal of walking ‘80 kilometres for 80 years’ in a target time of 24 hours, with the aim of raising money for The MND Association to aid their focus on improving access to care, research and campaigning for people living with or affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Blakey says: “I have been moved and saddened by the loss of professional rugby greats, such as Doddie Weir, Rob Burrow and Joost van der Westhuizen, and also the dignity of others who are fighting their own battle against this terrible disease, including former Leicester Tigers player, Ed Slater. I may be 80, but to me, that is just a number! I felt that setting myself this walking challenge would be a fitting way to mark my 80th birthday.”

Blakey will set off, together with his wife, Samantha, from Lutterworth Rugby Club at around 3pm on Friday 25 October 2024. As they walk through the day and night, their route will take them past Belgrave RFC, Birstall RFC, Leicester Tigers, Vipers and Leicester Lions, before arriving back at Lutterworth RFC on Saturday 26 October 2024, the day of the Victoria Turner Sponsored Lunch, in time for the kick-off of the local derby match between Lutterworth First XV vs Market Harborough First XV.

The target is to raise £2000 to pay for a text to speech device, to give someone with MND the ability to continue to communicate with their loved ones, so any support to raise these vital funds will be greatly appreciated. Everyone is welcome at the Club on the 26th, not only to welcome Blakey and Samantha back, but also to cheer on our local teams.

Please give what you can to help Blakey reach his target via JustGiving.com