Greasby and Frankby Scouts walk 100 miles to send Upton swimmer Matthew Dodd to the World Transplant Games

May 27 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

SCOUTS walked 100 miles to help send an Upton teenager to the World Transplant Games.

The 1st Frankby and Greasby Scout Group walked the 15-mile route between Seacombe and Thurstaston used in last week’s Wirral Coastal Walk, plus the remainder of the Wirral Way from Thurstaston to Hooton.

Leaders and parents covered the first 85 miles in a number of relay legs before the Explorers, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers joined in.

All money raised will be donated to former scout Matthew Dodd.

Now 19, Matthew had a liver transplant at the age of five and has been chosen to represent the UK at swimming in the World Transplant Games.

Matthew himself joined the walk and helped the scouts celebrate their achievement with a barbecue at Wirral Country Park.

Group scout leader Chris Hughes said: “Matthew is a remarkable young man and a real inspiration to all of our young people.

“I am extremely proud of all the members of 1st Frankby Greasby Scout Group and I am sure that we will raise a significant amount of money to help Matthew.

“We wish him all the very best.”

Sponsorship money pledged before the event is still being collected, but it is hoped the final total will reach £1,500.

The World Transplant Games 2009 are taking place in Queensland, Australia, in August.

If you can help Matthew, contact matthewdod1@hotmail.co.uk