Scandinavian Leeds United fan raising thousands for local charities by walking across Norway following lost bet
A Norwegian member of Leeds United Supporters Club of Scandinavia (LUSCOS) has raised more than £12,000 to date for two Leeds charities by walking 230km following a losing bet on his beloved Leeds.
Geir Rishaug is currently walking from Svolvær to Narvik, Norway after losing a bet on striker Patrick Bamford scoring 17 goals or more this season.
The long-standing Leeds supporter will have walked 230 kilometres over several trips across snow-capped mountains, hills and lakes by the time he finishes on Friday 13th August in a bid to raise funds for two Leeds charities, Simon on the Streets and Leeds Fans Food Bank.
Having already raised 158 kroner, the equivalent of over £12,000, the dedicated Leeds United fans are challenging all Leeds fans to give at least one kroner per kilometre with a target to raise 200,000 kroner, just over £16,000.
The funds have been earmarked to Leeds Fans Food Bank and Simon on the Streets, two organisations that do important work for vulnerable groups in Leeds. Both charities have a connection with Leeds United and have previously been supported by Norwegian fans and LUSCOS.
Geir Rishaug commented:
“I have been a dedicated fan of Leeds United and member of LUSCOS for over 40 years and myself and many LUSCOS members would usually watch every Leeds game live. My last match was against Sheffield Wednesday in April 2019, but Covid-19 has meant we have been unable to visit the city, watch the live games and support the Leeds economy. We are, therefore, keen to continue to support great causes in Leeds and these two charities do great work. I’m a man of my word so have taken on my bet and hope fellow Leeds United supporters across the world will support me and donate too.”
Natalie Moran, CEO at Simon on the Streets added:
“We’re absolutely thrilled that Geir and the LUSCOS supporters have chosen us and Leeds Fans Food Bank to support. It’s particularly exciting for me as both the CEO of Simon on the Streets and as a fellow dedicated Leeds fan!
“We’re all behind Geir and will be Marching On Together in spirit as he tackles his Norwegian journey!”
To donate to Geir’s fundraising pot visit https://www.spleis.no/project/179815.