A group of lifelong friends will walk 20 miles this:- Sunday, 2 August 2026 to raise vital funds for their friend Leon Skapars, a devoted father of 3 and passionate Everton supporter who is battling stage 4 cancer.

Leon is just:- 35 years old and a proud dad to 3 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, located on Haig Avenue, and have been welcomed inside:- Everton Football Club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium to finish the walk. 

Leon’s Friends will be travelling via:- Ormskirk, Maghull, Aintree, Goodison Park and Anfield the home of Liverpool FC along the way. 

The 9 friends organising and completing the walk have known Leon for more than 20 years.

Paul Mills, 1 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."

Paul continued:- “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 1 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 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.

Event Information
 

  • Event:- Walk for Leon
  • Date:- Sunday, 2 August 2026
  • You can donate here.
  • 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