A VETERAN charity fundraiser is organising one more sponsored walk in memory of the Voice of the Boro - Ali Brownlee.
Mike Findley's annual walk between Marske and Redcar has raised thousands of pounds over the years to help to tackle Motor Neurone Disease.
For one last time, the Redcar and Cleveland Borough councillor, who was diagnosed with debilitating condition in 2005, decided to resurrect the sponsored walk he organised for a decade in a fitting tribute to the football commentator and ardent supporter of his Mike Findley MND Fund.
He said: "Alastair Brownlee will always be associated with being the voice of the Boro commentating for over 30 years on Middlesbrough FC matches, he will also be remembered for presenting the breakfast show on BBC Tees, however, many people throughout Teesside will also remember Ali for the time and effort he gave to various local charities.
"In September 2005. I asked him to be patron of my MND Fund and last September, he hosted our 10th anniversary concert, during the ten years he gave his support to many of the events we organised, especially launching our MND walk every year and sometimes taking part with his dog Benjamin.
"We decided that last year's 10th walk would be the final one, however, due to Ali losing his short battle with cancer, we have decided to organise one more walk in his memory.we are inviting people to come along and join Ali’s wife Wendy and family, his colleagues from Middlesbrough FC and BBC Tees, if Ali supported your charity then please wear your charity T-shirt, and of course it would be nice to see supporters in their Middlesbrough FC colours.
"This isn’t our normal sponsored walk, but there will be collection buckets for donations the money raised will go to charities chosen by Wendy and the family."
The funeral of Ali Brownlee saw thousands of people line the streets of Middlesbrough while more than 5,000 headed to the Riverside stadium to pay tribute to the legendary football commentator who died in February after a short battle against cancer.
The walk will head from Marske Square to the Redcar bandstand on Sunday, June 19 from 1pm.
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