92 In Blue

Sunday!

2009-07-19T14:24:00.002+01:00

After some technical difficulties on the road we've only been able to update our Flickr and Twitter feeds. Apologies for this!

We've safely and quickly covered the North and East of England in the first three days and are now at Mark's flat in Leyton, London. We're refeshing ourselves, with showers and bacon butties, before we hit the last couple of locations in London and head south towards Brighton, Southampton et al.

On behalf of Ste, Beardy, Rick, Pete, Tracy, Paul, Mark and Simon we'd like to thank all of those who've already donated and just as importantly kept us going on the road with funny comments and messages of support. We'd also like to thank the OWTB.co.uk boys for keeping everyone there upto day with our adventure and helped us with taffic tips too!

You can can still donate via our JustGiving.com site and contact us on Twitter or OWTB.co.uk over the next couple of days!!

Friday!

2009-07-17T11:19:00.004+01:00

They said the day may never come. When in fact it's come all too fast. The 92 In Blue team are now T-minus 5hrs from our ceremonial send off from Boundary Park. If any Latics fans out there can make Boundary Park for 4pm to see us off we'd love to have you.

Hopefully we will be joined by some of the OAFC Staff and a well known local celebrity (other commitments allowing) so you never know - you might get to meet someone other than me, which I have to admit for you would make it far more appealing!

We are also being joined by members of the local media, including the TV cameras of Channel M! So you may even get to be on the telly! Speaking of which, a huge thank you to the Channel m Today guys for their hospitality yesterday.

(Chaddy, Ste, Paul, Ian from 'Channel m Today')

Don't forget you can still donate via our JustGiving.com website and to follow our progress via this blog over the next few days!

Thursday!

2009-07-16T13:35:00.003+01:00

Today several members of the 92 In Blue team will feature on Channel M’s new flagship show Channel m Today (available via Sky 203, Virgin Media 878, Free-to-air 39) to promote the trip and hopefully raise the profile of our fantastic causes.

Also from today you can bid on what is a truly magnificent piece of Latics history; Gunnar Halle's signed, match worn, Latics shirt!! When contact by Beardy, of the 92 In Blue team, Gunnar said "Thanks for the many nice words and its always good to hear that the supporters appreciated what I did for the club. I really enjoyed my time there and the supporters was always good to me."

The shirt is signed, "Best Wishes, Gunnar Halle" and has his trademark number 7 on the back. Everyone connected to 92 In Blue would deeply like to thank Gunnar for this very generous donation, and if you'd like to bid on the shirt then please email your bids to beardyboy@hotmail.co.uk and you will be contact should you be successful. The current bid, after only a few hours of bidding, is already at £70.

Don't forget that our ceremonial send off, hopefully joined by several OAFC members of staff, will be from the front of Boundary Park at approximately 4pm on Friday and we would love to be joined there by as many other Latics fans as possible and that you can keep up to date with our trip via this blog, on OWTB.co.uk or via our Twitter feed.

Wednesday!

2009-07-15T14:11:00.002+01:00

Today's BBC Radio Manchester interview went really well. Simon, Ste and Paul arrived at around 7:30, drove into the tinyest car park in the workd and then enjoyed the hilarity of a temp trying to get a key to his office.

After meeting the producers and getting a drink we moved into the studio with Allan Beswick for the actual interview, which we all agree went very well. We've already had calls from people who were previously unaware of the cause saying they'd like to donate and so we've hopefully helped at least a little.

Don't forget to check out our Twitter feed for more pictures and to visit JustGiving.com to donate to the Samantha Jones Trust.

Tuesday!

2009-07-14T13:55:00.002+01:00

Well the day is looming for the 92 In Blue team and we are working hard. Tonight will be our final group meeting before the big day on Friday and our last chance to work out the kinks in our plan. Alan Hardy, on behalf of Oldham Athletic, has kindly provided us with Latics home shirts for the event, so we'll all look the part (aside from the sleepy eyes and bed-head!).

Tomorrow morning at 7:45am three members of the 92 In Blue team (Simon, Ste and Paul) will be live on BBC Radio Manchester to help promote the journey and raise awareness for the Samantha Jones Trust, so please check us out and inflate our ego's by telling us on OWTB.co.uk how great we did!

And whilst I have your attention... DONATE!!

Monday!

2009-07-13T11:03:00.005+01:00

So, the week of the 92 In Blue challenge is underway. Final touches are being applied to the cars to ensure that we're as noticable as possible on our voyage, raising as much awareness for the cause as possible.

Elsewhere we've completed the OWTB.co.uk Podcast which will contain a rundown of the events so far and give more details on how you can support the team as they travel the country. This is being edited as we speak and should hopefully be online soon.

The 92 In Blue team and the Samantha Jones Trust would like to thank Middleton Window Blinds for their very very kind dontation today. We need every last penny and if you can give even a single pound we'd really really appreciate it. No ammount is too large or too small.

Keep checking back on the blog this week for more news from the team and for the final, tense, countdown to the launch on Friday and why not visit our Just Giving page to donate right now?

The countdown is on...

2009-07-11T13:01:00.005+01:00

With less than 7 days until the 92 In Blue team get underway the tension is building. Final preparations are being made, insurance documents signed and a sleep buffer created for what will prove to be a long and difficult challenge.

You can still donate online or by giving one of the 92 In Blue team a cheque/cash in person to help us reach our target of £2,500 for the Samantha Jones Trust.

Keep alert for some media coverage of the event this week as several members of the team will be appearing on BBC Radio Manchester's breakfast show on Wednesday morning and Channel M's nightly news on Thursday to help promote the event.

Last, but far from least, Rummytheowl of OWTB.co.uk has kindly created this fantastic video for us, so enjoy...

Pentagon Make Another Contribution

2009-07-07T15:54:00.004+01:00

Local business Pentagon, already kind suppliers of one of the two cars making the 92 In Blue Trip possible, have come up trumps again for the In Blue team by providing us with the excellent POGO Sat Nav system for the journey (if I’m to do even a mile of driving these devices will be much needed! That’s for sure).

The devices will allow the In Blue team to keep track of not only where we’re going but the miles we’ve covered and the time taken… so that all can appreciate just how much distance we’ve covered for this fantastic cause.

In addition to their kind support so far Pentagon have pledged to give £5 from the sale of every POGO they make via their branch at the 92 In Blue starting line, next to Boundary Park. The POGO’s are available at the already bargain price of £99.99 and anyone interested should contact Graham Forde as soon as possible, as stocks are limited.

Elsewhere the 92 In Blue team are making great behind the scenes progress with the planning of the trip and would like to take the time to thank all of you who’ve used our JustGiving page to donate so far.

We’ve had almost £950 pledged to date and have just ten days left until we hit the roads for the first of many, many miles! We’re asking all Latics fans to give as much or as little as they can to this fantastic cause and everyone at the Samantha Jones Trust thanks those who’s been kind enough to donate already.

Rochdale FC back the 92 In Blue

2009-06-24T10:49:00.003+01:00

Rochdale FC have given the 92 In Blue team their full backing via their official website. The article, which can be seen here, details our plans and gives Dale fans information on how to dontate to these great causes.

Ernie Cooksey was not only a fans favourite at Boundary Park, but also at Spotland and it's hoped that the Dale fans can get behind the 92 In Blue team to support his memory and to raise much needed funds in the fight against all forms of cancer.

If you wish to donate you can do so via our JustGiving.com page, however please be warned they are currently having some technical problems (details here). If you have any questions please contact the 92 In Blue team via the OWTB.co.uk website.

The Rose & Crown, Cop Hill, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield

2009-06-23T22:13:00.008+01:00

The Rose & Crown, Cop Hill, Slaithwaite, are the latest kind business to come forward and help with donations for the charity drive.

Craig one of the joint owners said 'for a worthy charity like this , The Rose & Crown are happy to donate something to help the cause.'

Further details on this very kind donation will be available shortly. In the meantime 92 In Blue would like to thank everyone at The Rose & Crown for there kind donation.

More information about their excellent facilities is available here.

92 In Blue Team Profiles: Richard

2009-06-22T14:04:00.004+01:00

Name:
Richard Attwood

Location:
Rochdale

How long have you been an Oldham Athletic fan:
My first game was Feb 1982, so not has long as others I know but long enough to be going grey with frustration

Your favourite Oldham player of all time:
A true Yard dog in every sense, Nick Henry

Who is your favourite football player of all time:
I would have to say Nick Henry or Paul Gascoigne

What is your best Oldham moment:
Some guy called Neil Redfearn scoring a Penalty against Sheffield Wednesday

Tell us what 92 In Blue means to you:
Its a chance to do something important for a group of people and make a little difference to there lives by combining 2 things I enjoy, Travelling and Football.

92 In Blue Team Profiles: Mark

2009-06-22T14:00:00.006+01:00

Name:
Mark Scoltock

Location:
East London

How long have you been an Oldham Athletic fan:
22years

Your favourite Oldham player of all time:
Andy Gorton

Who is your favourite football player of all time:
Jasper Olsen

What is your best Oldham moment:
Ipswich away when we last won promotion

Tell us what 92 In Blue means to you:
It's a great opportunity to raise some much needed money for a number of great causes as well as giving me 78 hours to try and improve Simon's taste in music.

92 In Blue Team Profiles: Pete

2009-06-22T13:58:00.005+01:00

Name:
Peter Wright

Location:
Edinburgh

How long have you been an Oldham Athletic fan:
24 years

Your favourite Oldham player of all time:
Andy Goram

Who is your favourite football player of all time:
Johan Cruyff

What is your best Oldham moment:
Has to be Wembley 1990

Tell us what 92 In Blue means to you:
To have the opportunity to raise money for children less fortunate, whilst realising a dream of visiting all 92 league clubs was a chance I could not miss.

92 In Blue Team Profiles: Tracy

2009-06-22T13:55:00.005+01:00

Name:
Tracy Scoulding

Location:
Royton

How long have you been an Oldham Athletic fan:
Since 2003

Your favourite Oldham player of all time:
David Eyres - cos he liked my bum!!

Who is your favourite football player of all time:
Seb Hines....

What is your best Oldham moment:
Beating Leeds at Elland Road, New Year Day 3-1

Tell us what 92 In Blue means to you:
Wanted to do it for a long time, nice to do it for Charity.

92 In Blue Team Profiles: Paul

2009-06-22T13:21:00.013+01:00

Name:
Paul Oakes

Location:
Royton

How long have you been an Oldham Athletic fan:
Since 1991

Your favourite Oldham player of all time:
Andy Ritchie

Who is your favourite football player of all time:
Paul Gasgoigne

What is your best Oldham moment:
Beating Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park last season in the cup!

Tell us what 92 In Blue means to you:
Always wanted to go to all 92 league grounds, so to do it for charity was a bonus and anything that involves Ernie Cookseys name you just cant say no!

92 In Blue Team Profiles: Simon

2009-06-22T13:18:00.010+01:00

Name:
Simon Colebrook

Location:
Rochdale

How long have you been an Oldham Athletic fan:
13 Years

Your favourite Oldham player of all time:
Eyrsie!

Who is your favourite football player of all time:
Eyrsie!!

What is your best Oldham moment:
The playoffs in 2003, with Dowie.

Tell us what 92 In Blue means to you:
It'll be a test of our stamina and motivation, we're driving for 70-odd hours non-stop around the country to raise cash for a fantastic cause. At the end of the day, if the money we raise helps improve just one persons life, I'll be happy.

92 In Blue Team Profiles: Beardy

2009-06-22T13:14:00.011+01:00

Name:
Beardy

Location:
Shaw

How long have you been an Oldham Athletic fan:
Going since 83, understood by 86!

Your favourite Oldham player of all time:
Rick Holden

Who is your favourite football player of all time:
Diego Maradonna

What is your best Oldham moment:
1991 Ipswich away and the reality of promotion to the 1st Division

Tell us what 92 In Blue means to you:
A life long ambition, ok we might not be seeing the teams play, but this will be one hell of an experience.

92 In Blue Team Profiles: Ste

2009-06-22T13:02:00.013+01:00

Name:
Stephen Ackroyd

Location:
Failsworth

How long have you been an Oldham Fan:
Since the late 80’s

Your Favourite Oldham Player of all time:
Roger Palmer

Who is your favourite Football player of all time:
Gary Lineker

What is your best Oldham moment:
Everton; away in the FA cup.

Tell us what 92 In Blue means to you:
The chance to visit all 92 grounds whilst giving all we can to such phenomenal causes.

The Main Charity is The Samantha Jones Trust

2009-06-19T19:22:00.002+01:00

The Samantha Jones Trust, which was set up in September 2004 by the friends and family of sixteen-year-old Samantha, who lost her battle with leukaemia in 2002.

Our charitable aims are:

The relief of sickness and distress of children suffering from Leukaemia and their families by the promotion of research into the causes and prevention of Leukaemia and the provision of support, financial and material assistance and such other services as the trustees shall from time to time in their absolute discretion determine.

We operate exclusively on a volunteer and sponsorship basis and strive to use every penny donated to support our charitable aims. Donations will not be used to meet the working costs of the trust

Please click on the links to find out more about 'The Samantha Jones Trust'.

http://www.thesamanthajonestrust.co.uk/photo-gallery.html

The second part of our objective is to fund a new research project at Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, under the guidance of Professor Eden - a world-renowned children's cancer specialist. The research will look into the causes of Leukaemia in the hope that preventative strategies can be sought, and this devastating illness can be made a plague of the past.

There are lots of scientists with theories and potential cures, but these cannot be explored due to a huge lack in government funding. Hence it is the responsibility of charitable bodies, such as 'The Samantha Jones Trust' to kick start this valuable work.

In order to commence this, we need to raise £60,000 - £70,000 to ensure the project can be carried out by the highest qualified scientists in Manchester and reach a successful outcome

The Samantha Jones Trust' is working to improve the quality of lives of children and their families whilst they suffer the gruelling treatment of Leukaemia.

Having experienced the distress of this devastating illness, we understand the practical and emotional needs of families, and how important it is to make these children feel special. It is essential to maintain high spirits at difficult and unpredictable times of treatment and the aftermath to boost the child's wellbeing and aim for a speedy recovery - both physically and psychologically.

During the course of our work, we have helped to bring a little happiness to the lives of many children and their families by arranging special treats and breaks for children and families to destinations throughout the UK as well as to Florida!

We also organize an annual weekend get together for the teenage cancer group at the Manchester Children’s Hospital. Recent trips include going to the Clothes Show Live, an Alton Towers Theme Park trip and Water World Weekend trip.

We have granted smaller requests throughout the last 3 years of TSJT operation including the provision of household goods, clothes for children who due to steroid treatment have out grown their wardrobes, laptops to aid study, as well as providing the cancer ward at Manchester Children’s Hospital with £2000 worth of entertainment items, ranging from Nintendo DS’s, PSP’s and games to DVD’s, pamper kits and board games.

It is also within our remit to help relieve the strain placed on parents by helping out both financially with travel expenses and specialist equipment.

We have a fund available to help children now, so contact us anytime to see if we can help you, your family or someone you know to make life with Leukaemia that little bit easier.

Some of the 92 In Blue

2009-06-19T11:35:00.003+01:00

Some of the 92 In Blue, originally uploaded by 92 In Blue.

This is the first PR photo of some of our team. We met up this evening at Boundary Park for photo's (a huge thank you to Lois (I hope I'm spelling that correctly) at Oldham Athletic for coming out to take the photo on such short notice).

Don't forget you can donate online at JustGiving.com/92inblue or contact us via the blog.

Introduction

2009-06-17T12:21:00.001+01:00

LATICS FANS READY TO DO THE 92

A group of Latics fans will be hoping to smash a record when they undertake a driving tour of all 92 professional grounds on the weekend of July 17.

Eight fans expect to complete a visit to every single ground in the Football and Premier Leagues within a 92-hour time limit, but have set a target of 78 hours to beat the current record.

They will be raising money for the Samantha Jones Trust as well as raising awareness of the threat of skin cancer during the summer months.

The fans will take the famous 'Ernie Flag' with them - created in memory of former Latics star Ernie Cooksey, who died of malignant melanoma last summer.

And they hope to collect a child-friendly souvenir from each club which will be donated to the new childrens' hospital in Manchester - now the largest childrens' hospital in the world.

Now the travelling party are looking for sponsorship and donations towards the charity and its fund raising efforts. Most of the travelling has been paid for by sponsorship by very welcomed intrest from Companies and individuals. Every penny now raised will go to the Charities that we are supporting

Companies getting involved will receive exposure on the club's official website, on the official messageboard at OWTB.co.uk, in the local press and more. Sky Sports News are also getting on board and have agreed to cover the journey.

Anyone wishing to pledge sponsorship or help should contact Richard Attwood at richard.attwood@marshalls.co.uk, or via telephone on 07590696973http://www.justgiving.com/92inblue