Amex Stadium Brighton
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Alex ‘Buzz’ Burrows, affectionately known as Buzz, is set to lead a 35-mile charity walk alongside colleagues Harry Wood and Matt Bishop from the Albion media team. This venture, which will see them pushing skips filled with kit from Rustington to the Amex Stadium, is aimed at raising funds for the Brain Tumour Charity. The walk will conclude with a celebratory event at The Terrace sports bar, featuring a Q&A session with former players Glenn Murray and Bobby Zamora.
Buzz said: “The weather looks all right, it is about 21-22 degrees, not too hot but dry. In terms of training, I’ve done a little bit but not too much. I don’t want to get injured! They have got a mind of their own, I would say. They don’t move very freely. They would be quite rattly, and I think curbs are going to be the real issue to be honest, getting up and down. When we have been walking, you are kind of thinking every time we cross the road it might not be as easy when we are doing this. The closer it gets, the more I am actually thinking about that as well. But we are really looking forward to it. Once day one is under way, I think it will all kind of roll into the three-day event we have got and all the schools we are visiting and people who are joining on the first day.”
Buzz added: “Day one potentially is the longest but day three, when we have been walking for two days, plus heading up to Falmer, could be the toughest day. There will be a charity auction and raffle.”
The initiative has garnered significant support from the club’s players and staff. Albion skipper Lewis Dunk, along with players like Billy Gilmour, Pascal Gross, Alexis Mac Allister, Ben White, and Moises Caicedo, have all contributed to the cause through donations and messages of encouragement. The event underscores the strong bond within the club, as players and staff unite for a charitable cause.
Buzz said: “He is going to be around doing a few bits. Lewis in particular has changed plans to make sure he is there with us. We have had messages and donations from people like Billy Gilmour, Pascal Gross and then players donating shirts for an auction like Alexis Mac Allister, Ben White, Moises Caicedo. All the squad have been throwing in donations and wishing us good luck the whole time. Likewise with the staff and the gaffer.”
The kitman team, led by Buzz, plays a crucial role in maintaining morale, especially during challenging times. Their efforts extend beyond providing equipment, as they foster trust and camaraderie with the players, helping them maintain a positive outlook after tough matches.
Buzz said: “In our role, myself and Harry, it is important to have that trust with the players and you build up good relationships. They trust you with providing everything for them on a matchday and a training day. And they also trust you to listen and talk and stuff like that. After a bad game, they are going to go through the video with the coaches and they don’t need us to tell them anything because we are not qualified to tell them about their footballing skills! We are here to get the smiles back. Messing around, having a laugh, bringing them back on the human level. They can forget about the game as quickly as possible and move on to the next one with a positive mindset.”
Harry Wood, who is also participating in the walk, expressed his gratitude for the support received from the club and its community. The event not only highlights the club’s unity but also serves as a testament to the positive impact of their Foundation.
Harry said: “I came through the Foundation system myself many years ago. I did a BTEC course and two years there as a futsal scholar. And then within three months I had a job on a matchday dressed as a furry seagull! For myself to give back to the Foundation is a big part of it. To have the support of players past and present and everyone be so involved and being in the building the last couple of days and everyone getting excited for it, we are very much one club. There is a lot of support throughout. And then the challenge of 35 miles will be upon us. It’s not a flat city, is it, Brighton and Hove?”
The charity walk is a reflection of Brighton & Hove Albion’s commitment to community support and the strong bonds that exist within the club. It promises to be an inspiring event, bringing together players, staff, and fans for a noble cause.
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