WITH just over two weeks until Celtic FC Foundation’s Hail Hail Trail kicks off, we are calling on supporters to sign up and walk 130 miles over the course of six weeks, to help support our dementia care projects.

The Hail Hail Trail is a virtual walking challenge open to supporters across the globe, who can use their phones or trackers to capture progress along the way.

It will celebrate the club’s most famous achievement, when 11 Bhoys born within 30 miles of Celtic Park, triumphed in the 1967 European Cup final.

The virtual walk will begin at the birthplace of Ronnie Simpson and will continue through each birthplace of the starting XI in Lisbon, ending in Burnbank, where Jock Stein was born.

Among those to have signed up so far is former Celtic Tours Manager, Maura McColgan. Maura spoke of her motivations for registering for the initiative and her excitement ahead of it.

She said: “The Hail Hail Trail really appealed to me, mainly because of my love for the Lisbon Lions. My Dad took me to Lisbon in 1967, so they are my heroes. The idea of doing a virtual walk to all of their birthplaces is fantastic and I just had to do it.”

Maura, who spent almost two decades working with the club, is no stranger to supporting Celtic FC Foundation, having previously taken part in the Celtic Sleep Out and the Abseil in Paradise.

She added: “Celtic FC Foundation is something that all Celtic fans can be proud of. They do so much for so many people, and I always like to think that I can contribute where I can.

“The fact that the Hail Hail Trail will raise funds for the Foundation’s dementia care projects is so important. Dementia affects so many families and it’s so sad to hear that it has affected the Lisbon Lions. This initiative is a great way to honour Jock Stein and his team.”

Averaging at just over three miles per day, participants can clock up their mileage during their everyday lives, whether it be going for a morning stroll, taking the dog for a walk or striding up towards Celtic Park on a matchday. How and where you wish to walk your 130 miles is completely up to you.

Maura said: “The great thing about this is that you can make up the miles wherever and whenever you want. There are lots of lovely places to walk where I live, so I’m intending on getting my trainers on most days.

“Also when we come to the games at Celtic Park, we usually have to park about a mile away, so that will add to my target. Hopefully I’ll manage to exceed the 130-mile mark.”

To participate in the Hail Hail Trail, all we ask is that you commit to raising a minimum of £130 (after entry fee) for Celtic FC Foundation. We will provide a sponsorship pack and all participants will receive a Hail Hail Trail wristband on completion of the challenge.

Registration is now open and you can sign up HERE. You must be 13 years of age or over on Friday, April 12, in order to take part and participants under-18 years of age must have consent/approval from their parent or legal guardian.

Upon registration you will receive further information on how to record your Hail Hail Trail progress via the website and apps.

The non-refundable registration fee is £15 per person. Please ensure you read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS thoroughly, before registering.

Participants can begin recording their progress along the Hail Hail Trail from Friday, April 12, and the challenge will end on Saturday, May 25, to mark the anniversary of the Bhoys’ Lisbon triumph.

Monies raised will be devoted to the Foundation’s projects supporting those with dementia and their families/carers, allowing us to maintain, develop and enhance our current provision.

Due the phenomenal support received through 2017’s #LionsLegacy fundraising campaign, we now deliver projects in Glasgow and Edinburgh – in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland and The Eric Liddell Centre respectively – which aim to trigger positive impacts on health and wellbeing, to encourage improved social interaction and behavioural stability.

If you would like more information on Celtic FC Foundation’s Hail Hail Trail, please contact [email protected] or call 0141 551 4321.