A group of lifelong friends will walk 20 miles this Sunday (2nd August 2026) to raise vital funds for their friend Leon Skapars, a devoted father of three and passionate Everton supporter who is battling stage 4 cancer.
Leon is just 35 years old and a proud dad to three young boys aged 10, 4 and 2 years old.
He has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
With specialist treatment offering hope but not currently available to him through the NHS, his friends have come together to raise as much money as possible to help Leon and his family access the treatment he desperately needs.
The Walk for Leon will begin at Southport Football Club’s stadium on Haig Avenue and have been welcomed inside Everton Football Club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium to finish the walk.
You can donate here: Fundraiser by Crystal Duffey : Help Leon, 35, Fight Aggressive Cancer for His 3 Sons
Leon’s Friends will be travelling via Ormskirk, Maghull, Aintree, Goodison Park and Anfield the home of Liverpool FC along the way.
The nine friends organising and completing the walk have known Leon for more than 20 years.
Paul Mills one of the organisers said:
“Leon has always been there for his friends and family, and now it is our turn to be there for him.
“We know that walking 20 miles will be challenging, but it is nothing compared with what Leon and his family are facing every day.
“The response so far has been overwhelming. People who know Leon personally, as well as complete strangers who have heard his story, have donated, shared our posts and offered their support.
“Whether the donation was large or small, every single contribution has made a genuine difference and has shown Leon and his family that they are not facing this fight alone. We cannot thank our sponsors enough along with the football clubs.
“Their generosity has helped us promote the event, raise awareness of Leon’s story and ensure that more of the money raised can go towards helping Leon access treatment.
“We’re so grateful, but we still need one final push. We’re now just over £1,000 short of our fundraising target for the walk.
“If you’re able to donate, we’d be incredibly thankful. If you can’t, simply sharing our GoFundMe page Fundraiser by Crystal Duffey : Help Leon, 35, Fight Aggressive Cancer for His 3 Sons
on social media could help us reach more people.
“Every pound raised brings Leon one step closer to the treatment he desperately needs.”
As a lifelong Evertonian, finishing the walk at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium will be particularly meaningful for Leon, his family and the walkers.
The support received from both football clubs has demonstrated how football can bring people and communities together, regardless of club colours, when someone needs help.
To follow the progress of the walk follow the Walk for Leon Facebook page. Your likes, shares and messages of support will mean a great deal to Leon, his family and everyone taking part.
Fundraiser by Crystal Duffey : Help Leon, 35, Fight Aggressive Cancer for His 3 Sons
Event Information
Event: Walk for Leon
Date: Sunday 2 August 2026
Distance: Approximately 20 miles
Starting point: Southport Football Club
Finishing point: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
Purpose: To raise funds to help Leon access specialist treatment for stage 4 cancer
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