When lifelong Gashead Liam Noble decided to embark on a mammoth charity challenge, he had aspirations of raising £200.
But the 17-year-old’s incredible efforts have raked in more than £3,500 for mental health charity Mind, prompting praise from Bristol Rovers boss Paul Tisdale.
Liam, from Portishead, has had a season ticket for 14 years and called on fellow Rovers fans to support his challenge of running 10km per day for seven days.
Not only did he smash his running challenge earlier this month, Liam also raised a sizeable sum for a worthy cause, which he chose to support because of the mental pressures of lockdown.
“We were told we were going into another lockdown and I was thinking I was going to be so bored, so I was thinking of something which would challenge me and help me get out, and also help me have an impact on other people’s lives,” he told Bristol Live.
“I was reading so much on social media in the last lockdowns about how much it has affected mental health in particular, and it goes under the radar so much.
“I tried to make a difference for others around me by setting up a fundraiser page to raise awareness and money, and to set myself a challenge of 10km every day for a week.”
Liam plays for Portishead Town Football Club, but the challenge tested him in different ways to 90 minutes on the pitch.
“I play quite a bit of football, but because it isn’t happening I was trying to think of a way to stay fit,” he said.
“I don’t run too much and it was a big challenge. I didn’t think I was going to do it, especially day after day, it was really hard.
“I always tried to get out as early as possible in the morning, just to get it over and done with, but my family and friends always supported me every time I went out.
“I had great support from Rovers fans, who would text me saying ‘you’ve got this’, which really helped me when I was running and knowing the cause it was going to really helped me.
“My first target was £200, I had no idea it would reach so far. It’s amazing.”
Liam’s efforts caught the eye of the Rovers boss, who thanked him for his efforts to support others in a difficult time.
“That’s a fantastic effort,” Tisdale said. “He’s well exceeded his wish to raise a few hundred quid.
“Our players average about 11km per match and they probably do about 7km in training per day.
“He’s exceeded what a professional footballer would do in a week, so well done Liam.”
Liam told Bristol Live: “It was amazing to hear that as a boyhood Rovers fan, to get recognition from the manager.
“I’ve had a season ticket since I was three and it’s been a massive difference not going down every Saturday, I’m missing watching the Gas even though in recent seasons it hasn’t been as exciting.
“I’ve enjoyed watching the boys every weekend on iFollow, especially Sam Nicholson. I think he’s a quality player.”
To donate, log on to https://www.gofundme.com/f/28r8h723g0
