Long Walk To Hampden

A die-hard Dons fan is preparing to take fundraising in his stride - by walking the 140 miles to Glasgow for the Scottish Cup final on Saturday 27 May.

Kyle Hewitt, [30] will set off from Pittodrie at 11am on Thursday 25 May with the aim of arriving at the Shed is Red pre-match party around 48 later. He hopes to raise £10 per mile, to be split equally between the Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT) and the Red Army Displays fund.

Kyle said: “I’ve always said that a Scottish cup final would make me do something a little out of the ordinary in terms of travel arrangements. In previous years, myself and others have discussed a relay-style run to Hampden, but every time we talk about it the Dons don’t make the final! I want to help do my bit in raising funds for our fantastic displays and for Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust and all the amazing work they do in our community.”

Leading Aberdeen fans’ group, Dons Supporters Together (DST), is backing Kyle’s journey and helping him spread the word to boost the fundraising effort.

Kevin Mackenzie, DST Chairman, said: “The idea is completely bonkers, but we love it! It is an incredibly ambitious feat and one that sends out a number of positive messages promoting dedication, charity, health and fitness. We would encourage every Dons fan to get behind Kyle and make sure he gets a hero’s welcome in Glasgow.”

Personal Trainer, Kyle, initially suggested the walk as a means of raising funds for the crowd display planned on the day of the final, something he has been involved in previously.

Brian Caruana, of the Red Army Displays team, said: “Kyle has helped us set up displays in the past, which takes a fair amount of effort itself, but this is going the extra mile and many more miles on top of that! The display team will be very grateful for the donations, which will help us deliver the display at Hampden and more in the future.”

Debra Christie, Fundraising and Business Development Co-Ordinator for Aberdeen FC Community Trust said, " We are hugely appreciative of the efforts Kyle is making to once again show his support for AFCCT. We will make sure that there is a great send off for him on Thursday from Pittodrie".